From Chuks Collins, Awka
Anambra state citizens made up mainly of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dragged the Federal Government, the Anambra state Government, the state\s Independent Electoral Commission(ANSIEC), as well as the chairman of the commission, Prof Titus Eze seeking the enforcement of their fundamental human rights, over the continuous non conduct of council election in the state, since 2003
The applicants yesterday at the Federal High Court in Awka, presided over by Hon Justice Peter Olayiwola urged the court to issue orders compeling the respondents to within the next three months conduct council elections in the state.
In the submission of the team of lawyers led by Chiefs Tochukwu Onwugbufor (SAN) and E.E.Egbunonu, represented by Messrs I.C. Nsofor, the applicants noted that the continuous non-conduct of the council elections in the state has impinged on their fundamental human rights,
They also prayed the court to restrain the respondents or their agents from appointing persons in whatsoever name called other than elected chairmen and councilors from managing the affairs of the 21 councils including their finances and revenues, pending the conduct of the election and the inauguration of the elected chairmen and councilors.
An order to restrain the FG and the state governments from releasing or disbursing any money accruing to the 21 councils form the Federation Account and Revenue of Anambra state. That such monies be paid into a dedicated and interest-yielding account in the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), pending when the election would be conducted. That only monies meant for the payment of council staff salaries be deducted.
Before adjourning the matter to Feb 22, the presiding learned judge warned that he would proceed with the process once he\s convinced that all the parties have been served at the next hearing date.
He specifically requested the presence of Prof Titus Eze, the ANSIEC chairman who is currently battling in another court to save his job.
The FG made no appearance while the state\s Attorney General, chief Emmanuel Chukwuma was represented.
