From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The Appellate Court sitting at Abuja has overturned this year's March 8 judgement by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja sacking Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
NATIONAL PANEL reports that a three-member panel of the appellate court held in a judgment on Friday that the Constitution of Nigeria has no provision which spelt any punishment for a governor or deputy governor who defected from the party on which platform he/she was elected into office.
Ebonyi Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr Orji Uche Orji made this known on a social media platform for news updates by his office.
According to Orji, "in the lead judgment, Justice Haruna Tsunami, the Appellate Court held that the only option opened to a political party, aggrieved by the defection of a governor or deputy governor, is to explore the impeachment option provided in the Constitution.
"The Court of Appeal in Abuja aligned with an earlier decision on the same issue given by the court's Enugu division."
Meanwhile, Governor David Umahi has lauded the Court of Appeal judgement which reversed the March 8 judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo purportedly sacking him and his deputy for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Umahi in a press release by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Chooks Oko on Friday described the judgement by the appellate court as a sound juridical articulation which reinforces the provisions of the Nation's Constitution in matters relating to defection.
The release also read: "The Governor's reaction was contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Chooks Oko immediately after the judgement in Abuja today Friday, October 28, 2022.
"He observed with contentment that the Court of Appeal has by the pronouncement, proven once again, that the Nation's Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man.
"He emphasized that the judgement has further strengthened his avowed commitment to continue offering his best for the State, assuring that no amount of distraction can derail him.
"The Governor, however, dedicates the latest victory, first, to God, and tell Ebonyians and lovers of justice across the Country."
