Judge strikes out case after plaintiff withdraws
By Sandra Kenneth
PORT HARCOURT — A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the nomination of Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The suit was instituted via an originating summons by an aggrieved NDC governorship aspirant, Kings Unyeawaji, who sought to challenge the party’s primary election over alleged unlawful exclusion from the process.
Named as defendants were the NDC, the party’s chairman, INEC, and Chief Lulu-Briggs.
Case Dismissed After Withdrawal
When the matter came up for hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel moved an application to discontinue the suit. With no objections from the defense team, the presiding judge, Justice Muhammed Turaki, formally dismissed the case.
Defense Had Challenged Jurisdiction
Prior to the discontinuance, Ibim Dokubo, counsel to Lulu-Briggs, had filed a response challenging the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the plaintiff lacked the necessary locus standi to institute the action.
Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, Dokubo confirmed the development and stated that the dismissal clears any legal hurdles against his client’s ambition ahead of the upcoming general elections.
“A Precursor to Victory”
Reacting at the court premises, Chief Lulu-Briggs expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a precursor to his ultimate victory at the polls. He maintained that his eventual administration would bring transformative development to Rivers State, benefiting both supporters and political opponents alike.
