Federal High Court Refuses To Stop LG Poll In Kano

By Ayodele Oni

A suit seeking to nullify the conduct of Local Government Election in Kano State has been put on hold by the Federal High Court.

The Court, sitting in Kano, refused to grant an interim injunction seeking to restrain Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, (KANSIEC), the House of Assembly and others from conducting Chairmanship and Counsellorship election in the 44 LGAs, pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice.

Plaintiffs in the suit, Aminu Aliyu Takai, (A.A Tiga) and All Progressives Congress (APC) approached the court to challenge the eligibility of Prof Sani Lawal Malumfashi and other Members of the KANSIEC to serve in the Commission for being partisan politicians and card carrying members of political parties.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Simon Amobeda similarly refused to grant an ex-parte prayer seeking to direct KANSIEC  and others in the case to maintain status quo in respect of the election of the 44 LGAs in Kano, pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice.

The Court further refused to grant a temporary prayer seeking to direct KANSIEC and others in the case from taken further action or taken any action pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice.

Justice Amobeda however ordered parties involved to be put on notice and appear to show cause why the temporary prayers seeking to restrain KANSIEC and other Defendants should not be granted.

He, equally ordered bailiff of the court to serve KANSIEC and Kano State House of Assembly, first and second defendants, while Chairman and members of the KANSIEC, should be served with all Court processes through any staff serving under Kano state Attorney General’s office.

Justice Amobeda ordered for an accelerated hearing and directed parties to ensure all necessary processes are promptly filed to expedite quick hearing and resolution of the case.

“That no party shall do any act that prejudice the hearing and determination of the case.

“That order of this court and the processes together with the hearing notice shall be served on the Defendants with proof of same before the adjourned date.”

Justice Amobeda adjourned the case to 4th October for hearing.