The Federal High Court in Owerri has fixed June 29 for hearing of the suit by the state All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Lewis Allagoa also warned against antics by lawyers and defendants to further delay hearing of the originating summons.
Allagoa, who turned down plea by the lead Counsel to the defendants, Kelvin Nwufor (SAN), to further adjourn the case beyond this week, said the nature of the matter demands that it should be given accelerated hearing.
Nwufor argued that he has an important matter to attend to and may not be disposed on the adjourned date.
But Justice Allagoa turned down his plea, saying: “I indulged you before and adjourned the matter to allow you attend the burial of your mother in-law, but this court will not entertain further delay of this matter.
“I will not go beyond this week; after this week, I will go ahead and give my ruling on this matter. If anyone fails to come, I will foreclose him and go ahead with the ruling. I have indulged you enough on this matter and this court will no longer entertain any ploy to delay the hearing of the originating summons beyond this week.”
Defendants include the former National Organising Secretary Osita Izunaso; state Chairman Hilary Eke; the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and others.
Meanwhile, the lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), said they were served a counter affidavit by counsel to the defendants at exactly 5.55pm on Monday, and prayed that the matter be adjourned till June 29 for hearing, to enable him respond to the counter affidavit.
The Court granted the prayer and adjourned the matter till June 29 for hearing.
Eke has denied discussing with Governor Rochas Okorocha, let alone having a truce with him. He described such as lies from the pit of hell.
A statement by his aide, Eze Ewuchie, described the rumour as the handwork of enemies trying to destroy the party.
He called on party faithful to remain calm, assuring them that every evil plot against the party will fail.
The chairman vowed never to trade with anybody against the wish of the party and that of the people.
He further advised that issue of who emerged the Organising Secretary of the party is embroiled in controversy and is being looked into by Appeal.
