A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused to grant a restraining order filed by the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation from asking him to vacate office until 30 days to the 2023 Presidential election.
In an exparte application, Mr Emefiele had through his counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome, expressed apprehension that sale and submission of the Presidential nomination form would expire on Wednesday, this week, and that unless the INEC and AGF were ordered to maintain status quo ante bellum as at when he filed the suit, he would be made to vacate office before his form would be accepted by the appropriate authority.
Mr Emefiele also denied being a political appointee but a Public servant not caught by section 84 (12) of the new Electoral Act, 2022.
In a brief ruling, Justice Ahmed Mohammed turned down the request for the order.
Justice Mohammed, however, ordered him to put the defendants on notice and also serve court processes on the defendants to appear before it and show cause on why the request should not be granted.
Speaking with newsmen, Chief Ozekhome said the court would be urgently needed to interprete the sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, concerning the matter.
The matter has been adjourned until Thursday, this week.
RN