JUSTICE George Omereji of the Rivers State High Court has struck out a suit against the Isaac Ogbogbula-led factional Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The suit was filed by Caretaker Committee Chairman Igo Aguma.

The faction, during an emergency meeting of statutory members chaired by Senator Andrew Uchendu, suspended Aguma from the party, and swore in Sokonte Davies as his replacement.

But Aguma filed a contempt of court proceeding against Uchendu, Sokonte and Ogbogbula, saying they disobeyed court judgment.

Shortly after the action, President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC National Working Committee ordered to party members to withdraw all court proceedings, either against the party or its members. But rather than withdraw the suit, Aguma adjourned for hearing till July 29.

At a resumed sitting on Wednesday, Aguma and his lawyer, Kingsley Oru, were not was not in court. They also failed to serve the defendants the necessary documents for the suit, apparently leaving the court to its decision.

Defendant’s lawyer Collins Dike told the court he was yet to be served the court processes. He was also surprised that neither Aguma nor his lawyer was in court, so he urged the court to strike out the suit for lack of proof of service after several adjournments without service and appearance.

Justice Omereji thereafter struck out the suit and awarded a N50,000 cost on Aguma for wasting the time and resources of the defendants and court.



He said: “The claimant’s lawyer failed to serve the respondents the court processes so I hereby strike out the suit for lacking proof of service. I also award N50,000 as cost in favour of the defendant’s lawyer.”