The suit challenging the emergence of Dr. Basilia Igbokwe as the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri Imo State could not be heard at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja on Friday September 20 owing to the absence of the trial judge.
The judge, E. D Isele was reported to be indisposed hence could not sit over the matter filed by the Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International.
The development stalled the efforts of Dr Igbokwe and the institution from seeking the vacation of the interim order stopping her oath of office on Tuesday, September 17.
The Court had while ruling on a motion ex parte on September 13 given an interim order stopping the oath of office of Dr Igbokwe till the hearing of the motion on notice or determination of the substantive suit.
However the court would sit on Monday to hear the matter.
Counsel to the petitioner, Kingdom Okere said what it means is that the status quo remains.
By this he explained that Dr. Igbokwe cannot be administered with oath of office or act as rector of the polytechnic.
Okere added that Dr. Igbokwe risks spending time in the gaol if she disobeys the court.
He disclosed that Dr. Igbokwe and the Polytechnic on Thursday September 19 filed a motion which the petitioner is entitled to respond to on Monday.
