The legal action seeking to stop
the majority leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila
from contesting Speakership of the 9th National Assembly, Monday, was adjourned
to June 7 for mention.
Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the
suit to Friday following the inability of the plaintiff, Mr. Philip undie, to
serve the court process on the lawmaker as required by law.
It would be recalled that undie
had approached the federal high court praying for an order of the court to
restrain Gbajabiamila from presenting himself for the election of the speaker
of the House of Representatives.
The grouse of the plaintiff was
that the Lagos lawmaker was once convicted by the Supreme Court of the United
States of America on alleged fraudulent practices.
By the alleged conviction of
Gbajabiamila, the plaintiff claimed that he was no longer qualified and
eligible for the House of Representatives as well as the speakership of the
House .
However, when the matter came up
in court, the House majority leader was not in court and was not represented by
any legal practitioner.
Plaintiff Counsel, Ayodele
Justice, informed the court that he has not been able to serve the court
process on the lawmaker.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, who was not
impressed with the failure of the counsel to serve the lawmaker with the court
documents, warned that the plaintiff either gets ready for the matter or end
the suit.
Justice Ekwo said the court
action by its nature was of public interest and must be accorded speedy
hearing, saying that since May 21 when the suit was filed, the plaintiff ought
to have made good efforts to serve the lawmaker with the court processes.
The plaintiff’s counsel, however,
told the judge that he would apply for a substituted service against the
lawmaker on the adjourned date.
But in a twist, another member of
the House of Representatives, Hon. Raoul Igbokwe indicated interest to be joined
in the suit as an interest party.
But it was not clear if he wanted
to join as a plaintiff or defendant.
Briefing newsmen after the court
session, Counsel to the plaintiff denied that his client withdrew the suit as
reported in the media.
He said that by his presence in
court today, it was an indication that the suit has not been withdrawn and
would not be withdrawn by the plaintiff.
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