The All Progressives Congress has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloma Mariam Mukhtar to sanction Federal High Court Justice Adeniyi Ademola for issuing a verdict in a matter that was not before him.
In a statement released by APC spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the APC said if the judgment had come out on Tuesday it would have been received more openheartedly as it was nothing short of an April Fool’s joke.
He said: “If this case had been issued a day later than Monday, we would have said the judge was caught in the web of April Fool! Alas, he indeed made the ruling on Monday, hence the need for us to take it very seriously for several reasons.
“Firstly, the question whether the House of Representatives members should vacate their seats was not a question before Justice Ademola for determination. The only question for him to determine was whether the APC members, with their numerical strength at that time, had the right to change the House leadership such as the Majority Leader, Chief Whip and their deputies. So Justice Ademola had no business commenting on seats being vacated.
“Secondly, it is highly unprofessional and unethical for one judge to delve into a matter that is subjudice in another court. A judge should not make comments on matters being litigated in another court. The question of seats being vacated or otherwise is being heard by Justice Ahmed Mohammed in the Federal High Court in Abuja who, on March 29, 2014, said the issue was still live before him and is not ripe for judgment.’’