By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu Natives of Amankpaka Community in Ugwuogo Nike, Enugu East Council Area of Enugu State, yesterday went into jubi
By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu
Natives of Amankpaka Community in Ugwuogo Nike, Enugu East Council Area of Enugu State, yesterday went into jubilation, following a landmark ruling by the Enugu State High Court which set aside an earlier decision of the Enugu South Magistrate Court, which had earlier dismissed the case citing lack of jurisdiction.
The court, presided over by Hon. Justice R.N. Orji, overturned the decision of the Magistrate Court.
Our correspondent reports that the dispute centered on the attempt by Hon. Gab Onu and others to unilaterally constitute a new set of members to the community’s Power of Attorney without the involvement of the Elders-in-Council and the General Assembly, as mandated by the community’s constitution.
Chief Festus Oguegbe, who serves as the General Secretary of the Amankpaka Community General Assembly, challenged this move in court.
The High Court ruled in favor of Chief Oguegbe, granting all reliefs sought and affirming the supremacy of the Amankpaka Community Constitution in the appointment and reconstitution of its Power of Attorney.
It declared that the actions of the respondents in reconstituting the Power of Attorney without following the due constitutional process are unlawful.
Reacting to the judgment, David Chibuzo Ugwuede, a community leader, praised the judiciary for standing up for justice.
He said, “The judgment of the Enugu State High Court has saved our community from constitutional collapse and potential crisis,”
According to him, “There’s now a ray of light and hope for our people. Truly, nothing built on illegality can stand”.
Other natives who craved anonymity said the judgment is a victory for democracy, rule of law, and communal harmony. It underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional processes and the role of the judiciary in upholding the law.
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