The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, has deflected allegations of disobedience of court order regarding Monday’s swearing-in of Chief Willie Obiano as the state’s new governor and Dr. Nkem Okeke as his deputy.

The Chief Judge in a statement issued yesterday in Awka and signed by the Chief Registrar of Anambra High Court of Justice, Mrs. N.D Ezeani, Esq., said there was no proof of any court injunction stopping the swearing-in of Obiano and Okeke.

APGA governorship aspirant, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, had made desperate efforts to get a last-minute injunction to stop Obiano’s ascension to power, claiming that he (Obidgbo) was supposed to be the party’s rightful candidate for the November ballot that produced Obiano as governor. The Chief Judge in the statement admitted being aware of the claims in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/118/2014 but explained that details of the suit published in some newspapers did not show that any injunction had been granted. He assured that he would obey all orders of court which come to his office.

The statement reads thus: “Knowing the Chief Judge of Anambra State, he would not evade service of any court process. He would allow access even where it is to be served on him personally. Even where he is absent and the court process is received in his chambers, it would certainly come to his notice and he would abide with same.

“The publication in Suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/118/2014 does not show that injunction was made against the Chief Judge of Anambra State and none was served.

“The Chief Judge of Anambra State is a nominal party in Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/118/2014 but even at that, he has been bestowed with powers and rights pursuant to section 185(2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to swear in the governor-elect and Deputy Governor Elect duly present. Those powers and rights could only be abridged by clear and unequivocal orders of court.

“The publications in the newspapers do not replace the pronouncement of the court. The court saw their relief no. (d) for a mandatory injunction to stop the Chief Judge of Anambra State from swearing in the Governor Elect and Deputy Governor Elect on 17/3/2014.

“From the numerous legal authorities listed in the publications, the plaintiff may still achieve the purport of his reliefs if continues with his suit.”

•Photo shows Governor Obiano working at his desk yesterday – his first day at work following his swearing-in on Monday.

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