ABE, 46 others vs APC: HIGHLIGHTS OF DEC. 13, 2018 FHC, PH SITTING

"We are neutral, no submissions" says INEC.

"We apply, Tonye Cole and all the APC Candidates to be joined in the matter"
- Tuduru Edeh, Counsel to Cole & others
"The Court adopts the two applications made by Edeh not opposed by INEC and APC. All joinder is adopted to avoid multiplicity of actions and fair hearing. Abe's opposition to the joinder is overruled."

~ Judge
"We have the report of INEC, DSS on our factional Direct primaries. Based on the judgment of the High Court on Oct. 10 and the Appeal Court on Dec. 12 as well as the Supreme Court on Oct. 27"
- Counsel to Abe, Bello.

" There is only one APC. We are not aware of any faction. The Law, (both the Constitution and the Electoral Act) is very clear on the damages to be awarded to the Plaintiffs who went to Court to seek redress over their exclusion from the Congresses. It does not make any provision for them to be imposed as candidates of the party. Supra."
- APC lawyer, Olatoke SAN

"Who authorized you, Barr Chinweikpe Chieme to enter appearance for APC without first approaching the legal team? Show us your letter of authority. I will ensure you face NBA disciplinary Committee." - Judge

The above is the summary of what transpired in Court when the suit filed by Senator Magnus Abe asking the Court to declare him the rightful governorship candidate of the Rivers APC was heard.

Claims by his lawyer to convince the Court to do so relying on the judgment of Justice Chinwendu Nworgu of the State High Court & others was punctured by Counsel to APC National who drew the attention of the Court to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 Amended as well as a recent Supreme Court judgment on a similar matter. He told the Court that the only remedy to the aggrieved APC members, Ibrahim Umar and 22 others is to be awarded damages and there is no provision for anybody to be declared candidates of the party based on their exclusion from the party Congresses.

Counsel to Abe, Bello who was physically startled requested from Olatoke, SAN to cite the laws.

There was pin drop silence in the Court.
Matter adjourned to January 7, 2019 for ruling.

Source:  MediaFbi Adaoha