By Habibu Harisu
#TrackNigeria: Justices of the Sokoto Division of the Court of Appeal on Monday disqualified themselves from hearing the case on the qualification of Zamfara All Progressives Congress (APC) to field candidates for the upcoming general election.
A Zamfara High Court had recognised the primary elections held by the All APC in the state and declared that INEC accept the party’s candidates for the elections.
Unsatisfied with state High Court decision, the appellant, Aminu Jaji, a Governorship aspirant and serving member representing Kauran Namoda/ Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency approached the appeal court to set aside the judgement.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Ahmad Belgore, ruled that based on circulated media allegations and issues raised by Mr Muhammad Nuhu, Counsel to Sen. Kabiru Marafa, the justices would not continue with the case.
Belgore said in recognition of the magnitude of allegations and present situation in judiciary as well as the nation, the judges surrendered that the President of the Court of Appeal should constitute new panel to entertain the matter.
He told all parties to the case to await the constitution of a new panel that would consider the matter.
At the resumed hearing, Counsel to the respondents told the court that some of his clients have accused the justices of receiving three million US Dollars to compromise the case.
Earlier, Counsel to the appellant, Mr Ishiyaku Dikko (SAN) had applied to withdraw the entire appeal, which was rejected by the court on the ground that he ought to wait until the slated date for substantive hearing. (NAN)
