Ochiogu Withdraws Case Against Anambra State Government
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, the embattled Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market, has formally withdrawn the case he instituted against the former Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Obinna Ngonadi and the Attorney -General of Anambra State.
Withdrawing the case before Justice Alexius Okuma of Ogbaru High Court sitting in Onitsha, one of the Ochiogu ‘s counsel, Mr. Olives Onoiribholo, who held brief of Chief Ben Uzuegbu (SAN), told the Court that they want to withdraw the matter since there is no reason for the matter to continue.
Although, the Assistant State Counsel, Loveline Ezude,who represented Ngonadi and Attorney-General of the State did not oppose the application but demanded N100, 000.00 cost which Justice Okuma over ruled and struck out the matter.
Ochiogu ‘s counsel further said, they applied to withdraw the case because the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has listened to the requests and pleas of traders and intervened.
He said they were pleased by the Governor’s action of removing the former Commissioner from Commerce to Industry portfolio.
The counsel said consequent upon the action of the Governor, they applied for the withdrawal of the case which Justice Okuma granted.
He said the application and subsequent withdrawal of the case was to give the Governor unrestricted opportunity to cement the intervention he had started.
The case would have been withdrawn on November 15, 2022 but Justice Okuma did not sit as he was said to be on national assignment.The case was adjourned to November 30, 2022 for formal withdrawal.
Ochiogu who was elected as the Chairman of Ogbaru Main market on January 25, 2022, was sacked by Ngonadi even when the tenure was still running which necessited his going to Court to enforce his fundamental human rights.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Anambra State stakeholders, Chief Joseph Oscar Udezeani, has commended Governor Soludo for his listening ear to the crises of the traders, saying :” We are happy. We thanked the Governor for his good work in Anambra State.We once again appeal him to address all other outstanding issues so that our joy will be complete”.
