ORON UNION vs NDDC/NSIMA EKERE: CONTROVERSIAL JUDGE THROWN OUT

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The Case instituted by the Oron Union at the Federal High Court, Abuja seeking to restrain the Senate from confirming the appointment of Obong Nsima Ekere and Frank Samuel George as managing Director and Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State on the Board of the NDDC suffered a major setback today before the Hon Justice Okon Abang sitting in High Court No. 10., Abuja.

At the resumed hearing of the Court today (23/08/2016), the attention of the Judge was drawn to a motion by Chief Victor Iyanam, former Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, Counsel to Nsima Ekere and Frank Samuel George asking the Judge to disqualify himself from presiding over the matter...



In his ruling the Judge said he was also of the same opinion, being an indigene of Oron Nation. He agreed that the impression of the ordinary man on the street was paramount and that Justice must not only be done but manifestly seen to be done. He thereupon transferred the case to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to another Judge.

The case is expected to resume after the Federal High Court vacation in late/September/October, after Hearing Notices must have been issued to all parties. In the meantime the Senate is expected to screen the nominees for NDDC positions when they resume.

Other defendants in the case are: The President, The Attorney General of the Federation and The Senate. The case was instituted by J. S. Okutepa, SAN on behalf of the Oron Union.