By Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri
The Court of Appeal, sitting in Owerri has reserved ruling indefinitely in a suit by a governorship candidate of APGA in the 2007 election, Chief Martin Agbaso challenging annulment of the April 14 2007 governorship election in the state.

The Justices said they will give their ruling on the issue of jurisdiction raised by the defence counsel, Chief Livy Uzoukwu (SAN) whenever it reconvenes on the matter.

The court presided over by Justice Abdulkadir Jega, will determine whether it has jurisdiction to hear the application filed by Chief Agbaso or not.

Chief Agbaso wants the Court to set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, and set up an election petition tribunal to look into the outcome of the April 14, 2007 governorship poll in the state.

In his counter application, the first respondent, Governor Ikedi Ohakim, challenged the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, Owerri, to hear the matter.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal has adopted the written addresses of counsel on both sides on whether the court has the jurisdiction to consider the matter or not.

Chief Agbaso’s counsel, Chief Patrick Ikwueto, submitted that the jurisdiction lies in the Court of Appeal, being the final court in election matter, stressing that there is no alternative remedy to the issues in contention.