A Bayelsa State High Court has granted an interim injunction to stop the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) from holding its state council election, which was previously scheduled for October 31, 2024.
The ruling, issued on October 30, 2024, followed a lawsuit brought forward by members of the union. They raised concerns over the transparency of the election process and questioned the role of the screening committee, chaired by respondents I. A. Uzakah, Yola Amiefa, and Grace Orumieyefa. The court’s decision includes a restraining order that affects these individuals.
Justice I. A. Uzakah, presiding over the case, sided with the applicants, issuing an injunction that restricts the current chairman, Samuel Numonengi, the outgoing secretary and chairmanship candidate, Ogio Ipigansi, as well as Kalabo Frank Kalabop, from proceeding with any activities related to the planned election.
In the case filed under number BYHC/YHC/328/2024, the court mandated that no further actions connected to the election should occur until the hearing of the motion on notice. This hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2024.
Additionally, Justice Uzakah required the applicants to file an undertaking to cover potential damages. Should the injunction later be judged unnecessary or without merit, they must pay N1 million each to the first and second respondents.
The court document, obtained by SaharaReporters, reads: “An order of interim injunction is hereby made, restraining the 1st and 2nd set of Respondents from taking further steps in connection with the 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists Bayelsa State Council Election and/or conducting the scheduled election on Thursday, October 31st, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed along with this application.
“That the Applicant shall enter into an undertaking filed in the court to pay damages in the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) each to the 1st and 2nd Respondents if the interim order of injunction turns out to be frivolous and unmeritorious.”
The next court session is set for November 4, 2024, where further discussions will take place.
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