The crisis rocking the Cross River state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed another dimension as a faction on Wednesday obtained a court injunction restraining members of the other from parading themselves as executive members of the party.
The injunction also restrained All Progressives Congress (APC) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acknowledging, recognising and or in any manner whatsoever dealing with it (the other faction).
In a suit no HC/A/15.2018 filed at the High Court of Cross River State in the Akpabuyo Judicial Division, in Ikot Nakanda, the Claimants/Applicants, Dr Matthew Achigbe and Barr Egere Effiom Osim prayed the court not to recognised the seven respondents.
The respondents are: Hon Godwin Etim John, Martin Achadu, Chief Francis Ekpeyong, Joy Akpama Edward, Charles Asim, Mike Agbe and Owan Ekpe.
The presiding judge, Justice Ashu Ewa said, “Upon this motion ex-parte filed by the claimants/applicants on the 25th May 2018 coming before this Hon Court in its competent jurisdiction on the 30th day of May 2018 praying the court for the reliefs stated therein.
“And after hearing from Joseph Oloko Esq of counsel for the claimants/applicants move the motion ex-parte.
“And after going through the affidavits in support, the affidavits of urgency, Exhibit TAC 1-4 and the written address in support of the motion ex-parte and having satisfied myself with same, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:
“That this motion ex-parte is hereby granted as follows: That an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the 1st to 7th dependents jointly or severally, their agents, privies, servants, supporters, hirelings cohorts or assigns etc from parading or allowing themselves be paraded or acting in any capacity as state executive offices of All Progressive Congress (APC), Cross River State Chapter.”
He further restrained them from exercising or performing the duties, functions or demanding, taking/receiving or enjoying any benefits, right, privileges etc pertaining to any of the offices of the state executive committee of the APC Cross River state chapter pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed.
“That an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the 8th and 9th defendants (APC and INEC) whether by themselves, their agents, members, employees, staff, privies, servants etc from acknowledging, recognising and or in any manner whatsoever dealing with the 1st to 7th defendants for any of them as state executive officers of the APC Cross River State Chapter pending the hearing and determination of the motion filed along the application.
“This is the order of this Hon Court issued at Ikot Nakanda under the seal of the court and the hand of the Presiding Judge this Wednesday, the 30th Day of May 2018.”
The order was signed by the deputy chief registrar, Mrs Grace O. A. Offiong, with a copy made available to DAILY POST.
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