Trial judge returns file to Benue CJ for re-assignment

A Makurdi High Court yesterday adjourned the suit seeking to remove the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu till April 28.

Ayu was suspended by the party executives at his Igyorov ward, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, after they passed a vote of no confidence him.

Justice Kpochi, on March 27, 2023, issued an interim order restraining Ayu from parading himself as the PDP national chairman pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed by a party member, Conrad Utaan, seeking to remove Ayu as national chairman following his suspension.Ayu’s lawyer, J.J Usman, yesterday told the court that he was withdrawing Ayu’s preliminary objection and counter affidavit to the suit, filed on April 3.

While Utaan’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), did not oppose the application for a withdrawal of the two processes, he asked the court to award cost against Ayu as the plaintiff came prepared to hear the substantive suit.

Ukala also informed the court the defendants served him fresh processes while he was in court and he will have to respond to same.

After listening to the lawyer’s submissions, Justice Kpochi adjourned the matter till April 28 for hearing of the substantive suit.

He also informed parties in the matter that he will be returning the case file to the Chief Judge of Benue State to reassign to another judge as he is embarking on a national assignment at the elections petitions tribunal.