The Appellants in the case have transmitted the Records of Appeal to the Court of Appeal, Calabar Division and filed alongside the Appellants’ Brief of Argument which has since been served on the Attorney General of Cross River State.
Recall that sequel to the Cross River State House of Assembly purported witholding of confirmation of Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive Chief Judge of Cross River State on the ground that she is not from Cross River State, and therefore a security risk, the Appellants who include Olukunle Edun Esq., the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Ike Augustine Esq., Adams Ochuagu Esq., Emmanuel Ewere Esq. and Adedapo Adejumo Esq. filed a Fundamental Right action in the Federal High Court, Calabar seeking to enforce Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme’s right to freedom from discrimination. The trial court after dismissing the Preliminary Objections raised by the Attorney General of Cross River State proceeded to dismiss the case.
The Appellants’ legal team includes Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, Femi Falana,SAN, Anthony Malik, SAN, Daniel Kip, Assam and a long list of Lawyers who believe in the independence of the Judiciary.
The ball is now in the court of the Respondents to file their Respondents’ Brief, if they so desire.
