The Federal High Court in Abuja has intervened in a dispute between the African Democratic Congress and Senator Ireti Kingibe over her suspension from the party. The court granted an order allowing the Wuse Ward Executive Committee of the ADC to serve Kingibe through substituted means, citing the senator's unavailability for personal service.
The order was issued after several failed attempts to serve Kingibe with court documents. Counsel for the plaintiffs, B. A. Nenuwa, had moved an ex parte application seeking permission to serve the senator through an alternative method. Justice Peter Lifu granted the request, directing that all processes in the suit be served on Kingibe through her legislative aides or secretary at her office within the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The service will be deemed as good, proper and regular service on the defendant, according to the judge. Following the ruling, lawyer Marshall Abubakar appeared in court on behalf of Kingibe, informing the court of his intention to obtain all relevant documents in the case.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until April 2 for hearing. The suit was filed by two executive members of the ADC in Wuse Ward, Abuja, including the ward chairman, Mr Okezuo Kanayo, and the secretary, Mr Isaiah Samuel, through their counsel, Dr Maxwell Opara.
The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that the Wuse Ward Executive Committee has the authority to discipline and suspend any member within its jurisdiction. They are also asking the court to affirm the suspension of Senator Kingibe and restrain her from presenting herself as a party member while the suspension is in effect.
The court's decision to allow substituted service in this case raises questions about Senator Kingibe's commitment to party discipline. The ADC's suspension of Kingibe over alleged anti-party activities suggests a deeper issue within the party. The court's ruling has implications for the party's internal governance and its ability to enforce discipline among its members. The suspension of Senator Kingibe, if upheld, could have significant consequences for her political career and the party's reputation. The case highlights the need for clear guidelines and procedures for party discipline to prevent similar disputes in the future.
