Anambra State Governor-elect, Chief Willie Obiano, this morning applauded yesterday’s ruling by the Federal High Court Abuja striking out an application filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking his prosecution over alleged double registration.

Reacting to the ruling of the court presided over by Hon. Justice Gabriel Kolawole, Chief Obiano said in a statement issued by is spokesman James Eze: “It has re-affirmed our belief in the nation’s judiciary as one the enduring pillars of democracy. Nigerians can now see that there is merit in the judgement of an Anambra State High Court sitting in Otuocha that had earlier thrown out the case in November last year. After winning what was unanimously seen as the most peaceful, free and fair election in the history of Anambra State, we are now focused on how to continue the delivery of quality governance to Ndi Anambra.”

Mr. John Anietor from Festus Keyamo Chambers, counsel to APC, had applied for an order of mandamus to compel the Inspector-General of Police to prosecute Chief Obiano over alleged double registration. But ruling on the matter, Justice Kolawole held that he was not persuaded by the motion exparte brought by the applicant’s counsel because it had no supporting affidavit.

Justice Kolawole also said that granting the prayers of the applicant for the arrest and prosecution of the Governor-elect in his absence would adversely affect his right.

His words: “Granting of such orders to prosecute him will not be in consonance with the letters and spirit of the law. The said motion exparte is, hereby, refused and the case struck out.”

A similar case against the then gubernatorial candidate had also been dismissed by an Anambra State High Court, Otuocha Division.

Chief Obiano, of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was declared Governor-elect of Anambra State on December 1 after the elections ahead of other candidates, including Mr. Tony Nwoye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP )and Senator Chris Ngige of APC, who came second and third respectively.

•Photo shows Governor-elect Obiano.

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