The Kogi State High Court in Ajaokuta has struck out the case of Mr. Moses Peter, who was suspended by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for anti-party activities.
The presiding judge ruled that Mr. Peter’s suit was incompetent due to violations of the Sheriff and Civil Procedure Law, specifically sections 95, 96, and 97.
As a result, the court determined that Mr. Peter had not properly filed his case, which meant the court lacked jurisdiction to hear it. The judge further held that issues raised by Mr. Peter regarding his fundamental rights and the tenure of his office, as outlined in the SDP constitution, were academic in nature, given the court’s lack of jurisdiction.
The ruling effectively upholds the NWC’s decision to suspend Mr. Moses Peter for his actions against the SDP during the 2023 general elections and the Kogi State gubernatorial election.
According to Isaiah Davies Ijele, Publicity Secretary of the SDP in Kogi State, the court’s decision reaffirms that Mr. Peter’s suspension remains in effect.
The court’s ruling highlights the importance of adhering to procedural requirements in filing cases. By failing to properly file his suit, Mr. Peter was unable to have his case heard on its merits.
The SDP’s position has been reinforced by the court’s decision, which supports the party’s disciplinary actions against members who engage in anti-party activities.