By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Chief Victor Umeh, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the orders of the Federal High Court, Awka presided over by Justice H. A. Ngajiwa which said that he has been disqualified from contesting the election.

Umeh in a press release made available to journalists in Awka said that he is rejecting the verdict.

Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Sen Uche Ekwunife, had filled a petition challenging Umeh’s nomination as Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for the zone.

Reacting to the development, Umeh said: “Yesterday in the evening, news, I heard of my disqualification from the Anambra Central Senatorial District Election on the Orders of the Federal High Court, Awka presided over by Justice H. A. Ngajiwa on a suit filed by the PDP and Senator Lilian Uche Ekwunife, challenging my Nomination as Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central dominated the Social Media.

“Following numerous phone calls and inquiries, I elected to issue this Statement to reduce the palpable anxiety gripping a broad spectrum of Anambra Central People and many Nigerians.

“I have read this morning, the Judgment delivered yesterday by Justice Ngajiwa and I have discussed same with our Team of Lawyers which included two Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

“Without going deep into the Details of the Judgment, I wish to let the general public know that I am completely dissatisfied with the Judgment and hereby reject same.

“Sen Uche Ekwunife and the PDP clearly do not have locus standi to challenge my Nomination in the Labour Party in accordance with the Extant Laws and therefore, the judgment was delivered without Jurisdiction.

“It is curious that the same Judge who had earlier dismissed the Suit filed by Sen Ifeanyi Ubah and the YPP challenging the Nomination of Hon Chris Azubogu as the Candidate of APGA for Anambra South Senatorial District for lack of locus standi, describing them as meddlesome interlopers, made a somersault in the present Judgment.”

Umeh said that his lawyers and those of the Labour Party have been instructed to file Appeals against the Judgment; even as he thanked his numerous Supporters and well wishers, urging them to remain calm.

Umeh expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal will redress the wrong.