CJ reappoints trial judge over anti-Saraki suit

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja has been withdrawn from adjudicating in a legal action instituted by five senators to challenge the election of Bukola Saraki, as Senate president, and Ike Ekwremadu, as deputy Senate president.

The case was withdrawn from Justice Ademola by the chief judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Ndahi Auta, following a petition from Ike Ekweremadu against Justice Ademola.

In his place, the CJ has appointed Justice Evoh Chukwu, also of the Federal High Court Abuja as a new adjudicator that would determine the case afresh.

Although, the case had been slated for judgment, the Chief Judge of the federal high court was said to have withdrawn the case from Justice Ademola, so that the interest of justice would be better served.

At the final adoption of brief of argument early this year, Saraki had told the court that he did not violate any law or breach any rule in the election that produced him as Senate President in June last year, contrary to the claims against him by some aggrieved senators.

In his preliminary objection to a legal action instituted against him and his Deputy, Saraki, through his counsel, Kayode Eleja, said the election being challenged by five senators was free, fair and transparent by all standards and also conformed to the best practice of the world.

 

SEYI ANJORIN