A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has dismissed the suit seeking to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from collating results of the governorship election held in Rivers State on 9th March, 2019.
Justice Inyang Ekwo in a judgment held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
Justice Ekwo had on March 20th refused to grant an exparte motion filed by the candidate of the African Action Congress, Eng.r Biokpomabo Awara, seeking to stop the collation, announcement and conclusion of the election without hearing the Independent National Electoral Commission. Instead, the judge ordered that INEC be put on notice. Having heard the suit in the main, the trial judge held that the suit was lacking in merit and dismissed it.
Delivering judgement, Justice Ekwo held that once an election is held, the Federal high court or the state High Court cannot assume or exercise jurisdiction over such matters, as it is the duty of the election petition tribunal.
