Court stops NULGE faction from conducting elections

The National Industrial Court on Tuesday in Awka stopped the Mr Chikwelu Adigwe-led faction of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) from conducting the union’s local government elections in Anambra.

Justice John Targema, who gave the order, also directed Adigwe and the other defendants to stay actions on all matters relating to the leadership and management of the union in the state until the substantive suit dated Nov. 13, 2019 which is before the court is determined.

The order was sought by the trio of Mr Chukwunonso Okaka, Mr Victormary Anuna and Mr Chuddy Orakwe against the Chikwelu led faction on the grounds that they lacked legitimacy to act as NULGE leadership in Anambra or conduct any elections.

“The first defendant and all his allies particularly, one Mr Adigwe Chikwelu are hereby restrained from conducting the NULGE (Anambra State Local Branches), local government elections scheduled to hold on Nov. 9, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26, 2020 and Dec 1, 2, 3,and 8, 2020.

“The defendants/respondents, particularly the first defendant and all his allies are hereby ordered to stay action on matters relating to or connected with the administration and leadership of NULGE and also conducting NULGE local government elections, “ the judge ordered.

The petitioners had in their suit NICN/AWKA/44/2019 dragged Mr Jerry Nnubia, former chairman of NULGE in Anambra, NULGE and Mr Ibrahim Khaleel, National President of NULGE before the court over tenure eligibility.

They contended that they did not have the locus to conduct election which led to the emergence of Adigwe State Executive.

In his response, Adigwe told reporters that the order was made in error and that he had already contacted his lawyers who would respond accordingly.

He said he was not a party to the pending suit but would respect the order until it was vacated.