Tony Okonigene, a member of the Edo State PDP Executive Council, reacted strongly to the Federal High Court's judgment on the Edo PDP primary, alleging that Justice Inyang Ekwo's ruling was a strategic move aimed at appeasing certain interests and easing pressure on the court.
In an interview with Arise TV, Okonigene criticized Justice Ekwo's directive for delegates to participate in another election to be scheduled by INEC. He pointed out that all potential dates for a new primary were already occupied, highlighting the impracticality and logistical challenges posed by the judgment's implementation.
He emphasized that this situation mirrored similar events in 2023 involving the Dan Orbih faction and other key figures. Okonigene expressed confidence that the judgment would not withstand scrutiny over time, asserting that jurisdictional issues rendered the ruling ineffective.
According to Okonigene, Justice Ekwo's decision, while seemingly well-rehearsed, lacked enforceability due to jurisdictional constraints. He accused the judge of attempting to appease certain parties and alleviate pressure on the Federal High Court without addressing the fundamental legal issues at hand.
In his own words, he remarked, "This is just the same shenanigans that played out in 2023 by the Dan Orbih faction with some key actors. Justice Ekwo is very sure that this judgement will not stand the test of time and every reasonable person knows it will not stand the test of time. So we are focused and our eyes are on the ball.
We don't have any issue with the judgement because no matter how beautifully rehearsed the judgement might have been, once a Court lacks jurisdiction it amounts to nothing. Justice Ekwo is very clever, he made a pronouncement that he knows is not enforceable. He's just trying to please them and relieve the pressure on the Federal High Court. He told the delegates to go and take part in another election that INEC will fix. And there is other date that INEC can fix for another primary, all the dates are filled up.''
Click on the link below and watch the video starting from 8:22 minute mark
Https://youtu.be/NZDWgVQevh8?si=XlsVioq-D8cpZkxG