A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday halted all actions and activities of the embattled Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin and the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers from November 21, 2014 till date, including the purported commencement of impeachment proceeding and notice alleging misconduct against the Stare Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose and his Deputy, Dr Olusola Eleka.

Justice E. Chukwu gave the ruling on an Exparte Application in Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/361/15 filed by the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Dele Olugbemi and six other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers.

Olugbemi and six others had filed the suit, seeking an order of the court declaring the seats of the 19 lawmakers vacant having abdicated their functions since November 21, 2014 and also an order restraining the police from aiding, abetting or assisting the lawmakers from carrying out any illegal act.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the Inspector General of Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Chukwu adjourned hearing of the motion on notice till May 13.

The sentence makes the efforts of the 19 lawmakers to impeach Fayose futile. After a couple of back and forth, the governor had expressed readiness to reconcile with the lawmakers. “I am not opposed to anything that can bring peace; peace cannot be wished away. I’m ready to accommodate everybody. Whatever they want, we can sit down and talk.