From Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has asked the High Court, Makurdi, to fix a date for hearing in the N10b libel Suit he instituted against the former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Comr. Adams Oshiomhole and his party.
The Governor is claiming Ten Billion Naira from the aforementioned defendants over what he termed as libel.
Oshiomhole, had wanted an out-of-court settlement with the Complainant, a decision which was conveyed to the court on October 13, 2020.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Augustine Tyonyiman adjourned the matter to October 29, 2020 for the report on the out-of- court settlement. After two adjournments, the case resumed yesterday.
Counsel to Governor Ortom, Samuel Irabor who was represented by Ladi Achibong, informed the court that the out- of -Court settlement failed as the defendants did not show seriousness.
She asked the court for a definite date for hearing of the matter.
Titus Akuha, who held brief for Oshiomhole’s counsel and the APC, Festus Jumbo opposed the submission by Ortom’s counsel.
According to the Lawyer, there was no need to fix a date for hearing, adding that all the terms for the settlement had been met. He said that the agreement was still intact.
After listening to counsels to parties, Justice ltyonyiman adjourned the matter to February 26, 2021 for hearing of the case or to consider the report for an out of court settlement.
