A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Chris Uche, has lauded the decision of an Abuja Federal High Court which ordered Adamawa Acting Gov. Umaru Fintiri to vacate his seat, to be immediately replaced by Bala Ngilari, the former deputy governor of the state.

Ngilari had disputed his purported resignation on the sidelines of the impeachment of former governor, Murtala Nyako.

The state branch of the All Progressives Congress also applauded the verdict.

Umaru Fintiri: sacked

Uche told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday after the court judgment that the judgment was a landmark and sound decision.

He said the judgment would strengthen the judiciary in Nigeria.

Uche said that the judgment, delivered by Justice Adeniyi Ademola, was a courageous one and further proved that the judiciary remained the last hope of a plaintiff in all matters.

The senior advocate said that the judgment was timely, especially because it stopped INEC from unnecessarily going ahead with the Adamawa governorship by-election already slated for 0ct. 11.

“The court’s decision was a courageous, sound and landmark judgment which would go long way in strengthening the Nigerian judiciary, especially against the backdrop of executive meddlesomeness,’’ he said.

Uche said by granting all the reliefs sought and the consequential orders, the only lawful thing to do was for Ngilari to be sworn-in as governor immediately.

On iys part, the Adamawa chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the judgement was welcome.

The state Chairman of APC, Madam Binta Garba, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola on Wednesday that with the outcome of Ngilari’s case, the party was hopeful that Nyako, who was also challenging his removal, would return.

” One down, we are looking to the next judgment regarding Nyako with full hope.

“Once more, the judiciary deserves commendation for checking impunity, ” Garba said.

Garba said the judgment had affected the party’s rally scheduled for the day in Yola.

” We will ask dignitaries yet to arrive to stop coming, but our torch bearer will go to the venue now to show appreciation to party faithful that turned up for the rally.”

Also reacting to the development, the state Secretary of PDP, Mr Tahir Shehu, said whether the election held or not, it was a “win win” situation for the party.

“Whatever the case is, it is a win win for PDP.”

Meanwhile, staff of the Deputy Governmor’s Office were seen jubilating over the development while in other government offices and the state capital, people gathered in groups discussing the matter(

According to him, this is necessary, notwithstanding any appeal because there cannot be a vacuum in the leadership of the state.