The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce from organising its scheduled Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit event, pending the resolution of a pending lawsuit. The ruling, delivered by Justice Egwuatu, directs all parties to maintain the status quo in a trademark and passing-off dispute currently before the court.
The court’s decision follows revelations of a pre-existing suit and active injunction concerning the same matter in Port Harcourt. Emphasising the necessity of judicial comity and compliance, Justice Egwuatu ruled that parties must respect the authority of the court and address any grievances through proper legal channels. The judge ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the issues and directed them to file their respective processes regarding the served motion before returning the case file to the registry for further directives.
Reacting to the ruling, the Chief Executive Officer of Ken-Eva Consult Ltd., Mr. Kenule Nwiya Jnr., described the outcome as a victory for the rule of law.
“The court has spoken, and the rule of law has prevailed,” Mr. Nwiya said. “We have always believed that the proper place to resolve any dispute is before a court of competent jurisdiction, not through self-help.”
Mr. Nwiya noted that the ruling sends a clear message to all parties and partners scheduled to participate in the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce event in September, which was to be chaired by Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara.
“This case has been lingering for long, and the Chambers have refused to obey court rulings. I am happy that the judge has ordered a status quo,” he stated. “I also believe by this ruling every partner of the September event would stay clear until the issue is resolved by the court.”
He further called on the Sponsors Niger Delta Development commission, Access Bank and others to take note of the unresolved legal issue.
“I am using this opportunity to tell the Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, who as I learnt will chair the occasion, and the Niger Delta Governors to know that there is a big unresolved issue that the court has put on hold,” Mr. Nwiya added.
Ken-Eva Consult Ltd. reaffirms its commitment to resolving all disputes through due process and urges all concerned parties to comply fully with the court’s directive.
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