Press Statement :
I have read some pieces of information circulated by fake news peddlers and propagandists with intent to mislead unsuspecting members of the public on the decision of the Federal High Court to strike out the application for Stay of Execution by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, and his Deputy, Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe through their legal team and without commenting on a matter that is already in a competent court of jurisdiction, I elect to set the record straight through the following clarification:
- That Governor Umahi and his deputy, Barr. Igwe, having appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court of March 8, 2022, on their defection to All Progressives Congress through their team of lawyers led by Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN did inform the court for a withdrawal of their earlier application for stay of execution.
- That the above was because an appeal has been entered at the court of appeal and records of proceedings have been transmitted to the appellate court.
- On the notice above, Emmanuel Ukala, PDP counsel, did not oppose the application.
- Consequently, Ekwo struck out the application following confirmation that a valid appeal had been entered at the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, challenging the verdict on them and at this point, the Federal High Court, from which the appeals emanated, ceased to have jurisdiction to entertain any matter on those cases.
Let me equally confirm that a valid application for stay of execution has been made at the Court of Appeal which now has jurisdiction over the case and we urge the good people of Ebonyi State and supporters of our Presidential Hopeful and the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi to remain calm, avoid being distracted as we are on a divine mandate and the court remains the final hope of a common man just as we are optimistic that we shall get victory at the end.
Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Special Assistant to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
March 21, 2022
