Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, warned parties in a suit challenging the scheduled national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against resorting to self-help.
Specifically, the e suit is challenging the legality or otherwise of the planned national convention of the party scheduled for November 15th and 16th in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Besides, the court re-affirmed its interim order for parties to maintain status quo pending the determination of the suit in respect of the PDP National Convention.
Justice Omotosho gave the directive following the complain by one of the lawyers to the PDP, Chris Uche (SAN), that his client is being held back by the status quo order and applied for speedy hearing of the suit.
The judge assured that he would do everything possible to deliver judgment in the suit between now and end of October for the respective parties to know their fate.
He therefore cautioned parties against using any ploy to delay speedy hearing of the suit.
“You and I as Lawyers and Ministers in the temple of justice know that once a suit is filed in respect of any matter and parties have been served with processes, it is the law that no party should take any step in respect of such suit.
“The court must not be over- reached and where such is done, the court has power to issue consequential order, nullifying such act.
“We all know the law and please, let us respect the law. It is in our collective interest.
“In the instant case, I can assure you that the court decision will be made between now and end of October.
“On the day of the judgment, parties will be given copies of the judgment. I type my own judgments by myself, so there will be no issue of any delay”, the Judge said.
The judge has fixed Monday, October 20th for definite hearing of the originating summons in respect of the suit instituted against Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and eight others by three aggrieved members of the party.
Justice Omotosho fixed the date following confirmation that virtually all processes for and against the suit have been filed.
The judge ordered that the filed processes must be exchanged by all parties latest October 17th so as to pave way for definite hearing of the suit.