From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Enugu State High Court has ordered some chieftains of Ohanaeze Ndigbo not to interfere with or disrupt the election of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation slated for Friday, January 10.
Respondents in the suit number E/01m/2025 brought before Justice N.R. Orji on January 3 by former Imo State governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, include Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu (President General), Okey Emuchay (Secretary General), Ejiofor Onyia (Chairman Electoral Committee), Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chief Richard Ozubu.
The court restrained Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Richard Ozubu who are the 5th, 6th and 7th respondents from interfering with the electoral committee set up by the incumbent President-General, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu.
The order read: “An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 5th, 6th, and 7th Respondents, whether by themselves, their agents, associates, servants, representatives, or proxies, from interfering with the Electoral Committee inaugurated by the 2nd Respondent on December 27, 2024, chaired by the 4th Respondent, and/or conducting elections to the Office of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo (the 1st Respondent) or any other position, contrary to Article 11 of the 1st Respondent’s 2004 Constitution, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”
The applicant explained that the injunction was sought to protect the subject matter of the intended suit, which was at risk of being undermined, misused, or compromised by the actions of the 5th, 6th, and 7th Respondents.
Ohakim stated that the restraining order was necessary to curb any acts of lawlessness by the 5th, 6th, and 7th Respondents that could affect the upcoming elections, ensuring they adhered to the provisions of the 2004 Constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away earlier this year was succeeded by Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu until the election date.
A new President General from Rivers State will emerge at the election.