The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday joined the Peoples Democratic Party as co-defendants in a suit filed by Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, over his certificate of return.
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The PDP on Wednesday applied to the court to be joined as the eighth defendant amidst strong opposition from Okorocha on the grounds that the move was a ploy to frustrate his suit.
Delivering a ruling, Justice Okon Abang said it was safer and neater to allow the party to participate in the suit for there to be fair hearing.
“The right to fair hearing takes precedence over all other issues. It is safer and neater to join PDP, whether it is a necessary party or not.
“I have considered the well articulated and persuasive arguments by respective counsels in this suit and the judicial authorities cited by them.
“I am satisfied that this is a deserving case to join PDP; to decide otherwise will amount to denial of fair hearing and any decision reached by the court will be a nullity.”
Justice Abang also warned lawyers not to engage in unethical conduct that would occasion a delay in the hearing and determination of the suit.
The judge said that the matter was time-sensitive and the court would accord it expeditious hearing and would not entertain frivolous applications for adjournments.
He adjourned the matter until May 16.
Okorocha had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission over the Commission’s refusal to issue him a certificate of return as the senator-elect for Imo West Senatorial District.
(NAN)
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