The Kogi State High Court has categorically dismissed as false and misleading a social media publication alleging that it ordered the deregistration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In an official statement issued by the Court’s Chief Information Officer, Saqeeb Saeed, the judiciary clarified that it has neither entertained nor determined any matter relating to the registration or deregistration of the NDC or any other political party in Nigeria.
The court condemned the use of photographs of the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, and former Governor Yahaya Bello in the misleading publication, describing it as a mischievous attempt to create the impression that the purported decision emanated from the High Court.
The Court stressed that while it would ordinarily not respond to such publications, the clarification was necessary to protect the integrity and dignity of the judiciary. It warned that the dissemination of false information capable of tarnishing the image of judges or the High Court of Justice would no longer be tolerated.
The public, particularly content creators, were urged to verify facts before publishing reports capable of misleading citizens and undermining confidence in the judicial system.
The statement comes weeks after Justice Isah Dashen of the Kogi State High Court in Lokoja reversed his earlier ruling deregistering the NDC. In his ruling, Justice Dashen held that all relevant parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made.
The Court upheld the application of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that it was a necessary party to the suit. Justice Dashen declared the earlier judgment constitutionally defective, as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties, rendering the process null and void.
He ordered that the status quo ante be restored pending the determination of the substantive suit and directed that the matter begin afresh with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PMP, and NDC as parties.
... Kogi High Court Refutes NDC Deregistration Report, Warns Against Judicial Misinformation ... Naijaonpoint.