Proceedings in the Eke Ukwu Owerri matter, was yesterday, stalled in an Owerri High Court, presided over by Justice K. A. Ojiako, following the absence of Imo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Cyprian Akaolisa.
Also absent when the matter, HOW/380/2016, was called up, were the State Governor, Chief Hope Uzodinma as well as the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Bar Enyinna Onuegbu.
Addressing the court, the plaintiffs’ counsel, K. C. O. Njemanze, SAN, expressed displeasure that “despite the favourable disposition of his clients towards a peaceful resolution of the matter, which was filed in 2016, there is no corresponding response from the defendants”.
Continuing, Njemanze said: “There was a recent move by the defendants for out of court settlement of the matter, which my clients welcomed”, stressing that “while my clients signed the document more than two months ago, Imo State Government has refused, neglected or reluctant about signing the terms of settlement.
“We want to draw the court’s attention to its ruling, which restrained the defendants from entering, destroying or building any structure in the market, while the matter is still pending in court. Sadly, this valid order of court has largely been disobeyed. The defendants are currently busy building what they termed modern market in the place. My Lord, we plead that we be allowed to prove our case.”
A Deputy Director, Civil Litigation, Mr. Innocent Ibeawuchi, who was in court, announced his presence and apologized for the Attorney General’s absence in court, promising that he would relay what transpired to him.
Responding, Njemanze urged the court to order that hearing notice be served on the defendants.
“My Lord, we have heard the promise of counsel, but I urge you to order that hearing notice be served on the defendants. We would not want to continue hearing stories when next we come”, Njemanze pleaded.
The matter was adjourned to May 5 and 17, 2021, for hearing.
