A journalist, Mr. Donald Ugwu, that sued the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Council, on alleged election fraud, had lost the case before it even started.
The suit included the union’s Chairman, FCT Council, Emmanuel Ogbeche, at the HighCourt in Maitama, Abuja, as Ugwu dragged both the Union and it Chairman to court, challenging the eligibility and clearance of Ogbeche to contest the December 4, 2021 FCT Council poll.
Justice Chizoa Orji threw out the case based on a discontinuance notice by the claimant and declined to grant cost in favour of the respondents, noting that no issue was joined before the discontinuance.
Speaking after the judgement, Chairman of Council, NUJ FCT, Emmanuel Ogbeche, expressed the hope that Mr. Ugwu will not seek further legal redress in another jurisdiction but will join hands with the Fresh Start (Reloaded) Team to take the union to greater heights.
Ogbeche, however, noted that the Union will not dissuade any of its member who feels aggrieved from seeking legal redress provided such a member has explored all the internal mechanisms as provided for in the union’s constitution.
“We will look at what the union’s constitution says, and if we are persuaded that any of its provisions have been violated before seeking legal remedy, then we will follow what disciplinary measures the constitution provide.” He added.