Tension Brews as NAPPS State Elections Face Legal Hurdle

Ukorebi Esien  | February 4, 2024

CALABAR – In a surprising turn of events, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Cross River State Branch finds itself embroiled in controversy just days before the scheduled state elections.

An internal memo signed by Pst (Hon) Christian Ikiri, Chairman of the State Election Committee, had indicated that the Association’s election will hold Monday, 5th February 2024 at NICO Secondary School in Calabar.

However, a shadow looms over the proceedings as an interim court injunction, issued on the 1st day of February, restrains the Association or its Agents from conducting the NAPPS Cross River State Branch Election scheduled for Monday, the 5th day of February 2024, or any other date. The order was granted pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

The court order, obtained by a faction of the Association led by Dr Ndep Tiku Ebam, Mr Bassey Nsan, Hon Enyi Christian E, Mr Ogbe Clement, Sir Cyril Bassey as applicants  through their legal counsel, N. A. Nsaa Esq, directs an interim injunction against Hon Mike Egre Nshun and Pastor Christian Ikiri who are the respondents in the suit,  emphasizing the prohibition of the election until further notice.

However the injunction gotten from The Chief Magistrate’s Court of Cross River State of Nigeria in the Etung Magisterial District, Effraya, adjourned the case to the 8th day of February, 2024, for the Motion on Notice.

This development has injected an air of uncertainty and tension among NAPPS members, delegates, and candidates. Questions linger on the legitimacy of the election as the court order implies potential legal consequences if the facts leading to the injunction are later found to be false or frivolous.

As stakeholders anxiously await the resolution, the fate of the scheduled elections hangs in the balance, leaving the private school community in Cross River State on edge.

Calabar Parrot will continue to monitor this unfolding story, providing updates on the legal proceedings and the impact on the NAPPS State EXCO elections.