<p><strong> OPENE, JCA (Delivering the Lead Judgment): </strong> The plaintiff/respondent in this case claims that he was elected as the Vice Chairman of Ini Local Government Council on 5/12/98 as the running mate or associate of Hon. Emmanuel Ebe, the Chairman of Ini Local Government Council for a tenure of three years effective from the date that he was sworn in <em> id est</em>, 3/6/99. </p><p>There was some trouble in the running of the council and on 3/4/2000, the elected councillors of the said Ini Local Government Council passed a vote of no confidence on the Chairman of the Local Government Council as per exhibit D attached to the 3rd - 7th defendants/respondents’ counter- affidavit whereby it was resolved that the plaintiff/respondent as the Vice Chairman should take over the administration of the Local Government.</p><p> Later, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly waded into the matter and appointed a sub-committee which after investigating the matter recommended that the Chairman should be suspended from office but…</p>