· Quashes Akano’s suit, awards N50,000 cost against him
A High Court in Rivers State has further affirmed the leadership of Barrister Okey Ozumba, as the authentic National President of the Incorporated Imo State University Alumni Association, and therefore restored the control of the Association’s bank account domiciled with Access Bank in Owerri, to the authentic National Executive Committee of the Association, led by Barrister Okey Ozumba.
Mr. Ferdinand Akano, a former President of the Association who was suspended by the Board of Trustees had filed a suit in the Rivers State High Court challenging a judgement of the Magistrate Court which ordered that the Imo State University Alumni bank account domiciled with Access Bank should be transfered to the rightful leadership of the Association, following the expiration of Akano’s tenure and the subsequent election of Barrister Okey Ozumba led NEC of the Association.
The Magistrate Court and the High Court were convinced by the authentication of the Okey Ozumba led NEC by the Incorporated Board of the Association, hence, their order for the account of the Association to be duly transferred to the rightful officials.
The lawyer to the Imo State University Alumni Association, explained the details of the judgement thus;
“Judgment in Suit No. PHC/1753/CS/2021 Between Akano Ezeala Ferdinand & Anor v A.O. Amadi-Nna Esq, & 2 Ors before His Lordship Hon. Justice Boma Diepri of the High Court of Rivers State was delivered this morning in a well considered ruling and the suit was dismissed with cost assessed at N50,000.00 against the Applicants. His Lordship in his ruling raised three issues viz;
1. Whether the lower Court has jurisdiction to entertain the suit when the account of the 2nd Respondent is domiciled in Owerri and the Applicants who are necessary parties are also in Owerri outside the jurisdiction of the court. This is was considered against the Applicants.
2. That Magistrate Court has no jurisdiction to entertain the Suit as the subject matter relates to banker customer relationship. This issue was also considered against the Applicants as there was no authority cited by the Applicants to buttress their arguments.
3. Whether the Applicants have locus standi to bring this suit. This was also considered as the Applicants did not seek leave of Court to file the suit not being parties at the magistrates Court.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Imo State University has urged all members of the Association to join hands to reunite and rebuild the noble Association for the benefit of all Imo Stars and the university community.
The President, Barrister Okey Ozumba, assured that he will continue to carry every member of the Association along, and called for synergy and unity of purpose to give back to the university and set good standards for younger Imo Stars.
