The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a contempt suit filed against Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The suit, initiated by one Edozie Njoku, who claimed to be National Chairman of the National Rescue Movement, NRM, sought to have Amupitan jailed for alleged refusal to comply with a court order to monitor the party's convention. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the case on Tuesday due to Njoku's failure to serve the committal papers on Amupitan personally, as required by law. The judge emphasized that it was the applicant's responsibility, not the court's, to ensure proper service of process. She noted that contempt proceedings are semi-criminal in nature, requiring strict adherence to procedure, and that failure by the applicant to diligently prosecute the case warranted striking out the charge. Another judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, had earlier issued an order directing INEC to monitor the NRM convention, but the directive could not be executed because a similar convention had already taken place. Dr Chinedu Obi, recognized as the National Chairman of NRM by the court's proceedings, stated that Njoku was not a legitimate member of the party. Obi, flanked by the National Secretary, Alhaji Hassan Aminu Ibrahim, and the National Legal Adviser, Barrister Musa Isiaka, said Njoku's name does not appear on the INEC register for the party, which lists a 14-member National Executive Committee under Obi's leadership.
Edozie Njoku filed a contempt charge demanding jail for INEC's Chairman over a party convention, yet failed to serve the court papers needed to advance his own case. Dr Chinedu Obi, the NRM chairman recognized by INEC, says Njoku is not on the party's official register, raising questions about who authorized the suit. If Njoku lacks standing in the party, then the court action was built on a claim disconnected from recognized leadership. This leaves the public wondering how someone not listed by INEC as a party official could initiate legal proceedings in the party's name.
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