Security at the Supreme Court in Abuja and its environments was heightened as the court decides on the appeal for the review of the judgement sacking Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the governor of Imo State.
Security operatives blocked the major entrance to the court as early as 7.30 A.M. Journalists, supporters and others who wanted to witness the Supreme Court review of the case were barred from entry into the court premises.
Only the litigants and accredited reporters to the supreme court who came before 7 A.M. were allowed into the courtroom while a few supporters of both the governor, Hope Uzodinma and Emeka Ihedioha who managed to gain entry into the court premises were seen in clusters, apprehensive and awaiting the court’s decision.
The former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP had at the resumed hearing on Monday urged the Supreme Court to adjourn the hearing on their application to reverse the January 14 judgment which removed him from office.
When the case was called, their lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), said the first and second respondents – Hope Uzodinma and the All Progressives Congress, APC – served them some documents before the court resumed.
Agabi prayed the court for time to enable him to respond.
He suggested that the court allow them to return today for hearing, which was granted.
Counsel for Uzodinma and the APC, Damian Dodo, SAN, admitted serving Agabi a moment before the court sat.
Dodo said Agabi served him with some documents on Friday, and that yesterday morning was the earliest time he could serve his response on Agabi.
He, however, indicated his readiness for the case to be heard yesterday and objected to an adjournment.
Counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tanimu Inuwa, SAN, also opposed an adjournment and said he was ready.
Delivering judgment, the Chief Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, who led the court’s seven-man panel, acceded to Agabi’s request and adjourned till today for hearing.
Signaturetv.org correspondent covering the Supreme Court proceeding reports that proceedings on the case resumed at about 9 A.M. this Tuesday morning.
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