The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the stay of execution of the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which on Monday deregistered the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties.
The controversial judgment which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties was ordered not to be executed
In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Abubakar Mohammed, accused Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja of flouting an order it made on May 22, which directed him to suspend proceedings before him.
The appellate court held that Justice Lifu’s action amounted to an affront, judicial rascally on the hierarchy of courts.
It held that the lower court’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.
“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made.
“The application for a stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the appellate court
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