OMAGE JCA (Delivering the Lead Ruling): The appellant applies by motion on notice for the following reliefs -
“1. An order to grant a departure from the rules for the applicant to compile the exhibited bundle of documents together with lately annexed papers, as the record in the appeal pending before the court.
2. For an order restraining the 1st-5th respondents from sitting as the National Assembly Election Tribunal for Abia State; to hear and/or determine the petition of the 6th respondent against the election of the appellant as a member of the House of Representatives, Aba Federal Constituency in suit No. EPT/WAAB/02/2003, between Chief Prince A. N. Ukaegbu and Chief Nnanna H. Uzor and 5 Ors. pending the determination of the substantive appeal in this matter.
3. An order for accelerated hearing of the substantive appeal by abiding the terms for the filing of briefs by the parties.”
The application is supported by a twenty paragraphed affidavit in which the applicant deposed that…