Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, yesterday applauded the Court of Appeal for dismissing the petition of the Action Alliance (AA) challenging his election as the member representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State.
The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia had in August struck out the petition of AA because the party’s candidate in the election, Ifeanyi Chukwuka Igbokwe told the panel that he did not file any suit against Kalu’s election and subsequently alleged impersonation.
He later petitioned the Police and the Department of the State Service (DSS), calling for the arrest and prosecution of his impersonators.
While the security agencies were yet to arrest the impersonators, the party filed an appeal on the matter against the decision of the tribunal.
Speaking at a news conference, Igbokwe insisted he never filed an appeal against Kalu, urging the Police to go after his impersonators.
Ruling on the appeal filed by the party, the appellate court struck out the matter, describing it as a mere academic exercise.
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Upholding the Deputy Speaker’s election, the court further noted that the time limit provided by Section 285 of the Constitution on the appeal had elapsed, stating that it lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
Reacting to the judgement, Kalu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, expressed gratitude to the judiciary for displaying the highest form of legal ingenuity in determining the case.
He also reiterated his commitment and dedication to duty, adding that “the judgement which has now marked the end to the legal voyages in the aftermath of the 2023 general had buoyed him up for better service to his Bende Federal Constituency and Nigeria in general.”