The hope of the embattled local government elected officers of the 27 councils of Imo State to know their faith on the lingering court case over their alleged unconstitutional dissolution by the state governor Rochas Okorocha, was yesterday dimmed by the inability of the Government Counsel to file their defence.
Adjourning the matter, the Court of Appeal, averred that it is logical and justified to give the defence counsel the benefit of doubt for the filing of their defence. The court however, adjourned the matter to the 25th February 2015.
It will be recalled that sometime in 2012, the same Appeal Court in a difference suit declared the action of Gov. Rochas Okorocha led administration illegal and unconstitutional, therefore null and void.
The court also ordered for immediate re-instatement of the council executive officers and abstained the state executive from further interference on the activities of the executive officers.
Ironically, Gov Okorocha disregarded the court ruling and orders and went ahead to deny them access to their constitutional responsibilities by denying them funding, and interfered by appointing Transition Committees for the councils.
