Court Rejects Umahi’s Stay Of Execution Application

A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out applications by Governor Dave Umahi, his deputy Kelechi Igwe and the 16 lawmakers seeking a stay of execution of their sack.

Justice Inyang Ekwo on Monday struck out the applications after the applicants withdrew the applications.

“Upon being informed that records of appeal have been transmitted, and application to withdraw of stay of execution, the application is hereby struck out,” he said.

The court had on March 8 removed the officials over their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

But the parties on March 11 applied for a stay of execution at the high court and a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Earlier, counsel to Umahi, Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN) had the motion to withdraw the application for stay of execution was no longer necessary as the records had already been transmitted to the Court of Appeal.

Counsel to the PDP, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) did not oppose the application but asked the court to dismiss the applications instead.