Court contempt: NUJ President, others to know fate April 28
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Makurdi Division has dismissed the application filed by Counsel to 5th and 6th defendants, Mr Iorember Apuu and James Shim claiming they were not duly served as Chairman and Secretary of the credentials committee to stop the July 3rd, 2021 elective delegates conference in Makurdi, Benue state.
This is coming amid the crises in the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Benue state Council
Others facing contempt charges are National President of NUJ, Chris Isugozo, National Secretary, Shuibu Liman, in the case between Orduen Dura and Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ and 5 others.
When the case came up yesterday for hearing, the trial Judge, Justice I.J Essien noted that evidence available before him indicated proof of service against the 5th and 6th defendants.
He said the defence Counsel appearing ought to have investigated more on the case rather than relying solely on what his clients told him before delving into the case, more so that he came in the middle of the case half informed.
In his oral application to withdraw his appearance from the matter and application, Counsel to the defendants, T.E. Iho told the court that, he was misinformed by his clients and further apply to withdraw his appearance.
Declining the application for withdrawal of his appearance by T. E. Iho , Justice Essien, noted that he cannot abandon the application he filed before the court advised him to formally file withdrawal of appearance and application alongside.
Barr. B.O. Kpesuwe who appeared for the claimant /applicant had informed the court of contempt motion pending before the court against some journalists violating court orders.
He told the court that, despite pending restraining orders, another Caretaker Committee has been put in place led by one Jerry Tyosase while that of Comrade Stephen Ijoh was purportedly sacked.
Justice Essien sought to confirm the contempt from former Acting Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Martins Kajo, and was in affirmative, pointing out that at the moment, NUJ bus has been impounded and parked at the police headquarters, Makurdi.
Regretting actions of 1st, 2nd 3rd defendants, the National president of NUJ, Chris Isugozo, and the Secretary Shaibu Liman who were absent in court, said they took last adjournment date probably because they have no defence since June last year which clearly shows they have no interest in the case.
“I’ll no longer entertain interlocutory motion aimed at delaying this case,” and urged Counsel to Orduen Dura to move his application for hearing of the substantive suit.
The claimant counsel, B.O. Kpesuwe in his application sought the orders of the court to interpret articles 6, R6 and 7E of the Nigerian union of journalists constitution, supported by a 28-paragraph affidavit and relied on exhibit A B C D and E tendered before the court.
The 4th Defendant, Martins Kajo who appeared without a Counsel, said he was relying on the description of the court, while counsel to 5th and 6th defendants had no objection to the application.
The trial judge while putting it on record that 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th defendants have no defence since the beginning of the case adjourned the matter to 28th April, 2022 for ruling.
