Edozie Njoku Faces Crushing Defeat in Court, Left Dejected

 EDOZIE NJOKU FACES CRUSHING DEFEAT IN COURT, LEFT DEJECTED

By Wole Adedoyin

In today's proceedings at the Federal High Court, Edozie Njoku was left visibly dejected as Hon. Justice James Omotosho dealt a significant blow to his legal efforts. Njoku's attempt to disengage Mr. P.I.N Ikwueto, SAN, as the representative of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was rejected by the Court, signaling yet another defeat in his ongoing battle over the party's leadership.

Justice Omotosho ruled in favor of recognizing Mr. P.I.N. Ikwueto, SAN, along with other lawyers, as the duly authorized legal counsel for APGA. The Court also affirmed Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa as the validly elected National Chairman of the party, a decision stemming from APGA’s National Convention held on May 31, 2023. This critical judgment further solidifies Ezeokenwa's leadership, diminishing Njoku’s claims to the party’s top office.

The APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Okpara, captured the essence of the courtroom victory in a report that highlighted the Court's decision. Njoku had enlisted Paul Erokoro, SAN, to file a notice of change of counsel, claiming authority to direct APGA’s legal representation. However, this move backfired, as the Court saw through the maneuver, issuing a stern warning to Njoku.

The Court cautioned Edozie Njoku to refrain from using delaying tactics and frivolous applications designed to frustrate the legal process. Justice Omotosho emphasized that Njoku should focus on addressing the case brought against him by the plaintiffs, urging both sides to expedite the matter. 

To ensure the case moves forward, the Court ordered all parties to submit their legal processes within a specific timeline, with Njoku and his counsel given seven days to respond.

In a further embarrassment, Njoku was asked to present the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitoring report from the APGA Convention where he claimed to have been elected National Chairman. Unable to produce this vital document, Njoku was seen shaking and stammering as the Court questioned him. This failure further dented his credibility before the Court.

The so-called Owerri Convention, where Njoku allegedly won the chairmanship, has increasingly been revealed as a fabrication. As the truth surrounding this fictitious event unravels, Njoku’s legal and public standing continues to crumble. His inability to back up his claims in Court today marked another turning point in the long-running APGA leadership dispute.

Njoku’s dejected state was evident as he abruptly left the courtroom following the day's proceedings. His demeanor suggested that he has realized the end may be near for his claims, as his legal strategies appear to be unraveling. Observers noted that the confidence he once projected has faded, replaced by visible anxiety and uncertainty.

The Court has now adjourned the case to October 21, 2024, when it will hear all pending applications and the substantive suit. As the legal battle nears its conclusion, it becomes increasingly evident that Edozie Njoku’s long-standing claims to APGA leadership are on shaky ground, and today’s proceedings only serve to reinforce his weakened position.