The legal action seeking to stop a member of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, from contesting for speaker of the 9th National Assembly has been adjourned till June 7 for mention.

Justice Iyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the suit on Monday following the inability of the plaintiff, Mr Philip Undie, to serve the court process on the lawmaker as required by law.

Mr Undie had approached the court praying for an order to restrain Mr Gbajabiamila from presenting himself for the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The grouse of the plaintiff was that the lawmaker was once convicted by the Supreme Court of the United States of America on alleged fraudulent practices.

By the alleged conviction, Undie claimed that Gbajabiamila was no longer qualified and eligible for the House of Representatives, as well as the speakership position.

But the lawmaker was absent and not represented by any legal practitioner when the matter came up in court.

Counsel to Undie, Ayodele Justice, informed the court that he has not been able to serve the court process on the lawmaker.

Unhappy with the development, Justice Ekwo warned the plaintiff to either get ready for the matter or end the suit.

He said the court action by its nature was of public interest and must be accorded speedy hearing.

The judge noted that since May 21 when the suit was filed, the plaintiff ought to have made good efforts to serve the lawmaker with the court processes.

But the plaintiff’s counsel told the judge that he would apply for substitutes service against the Gbajabiamila on the adjourned date.

In a dramatic turn, another member of the House of Representatives, Raoul Igbokwe, indicated interest to be joined in the suit.

Although it was not clear if he wanted to join as a plaintiff or defendant, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter till Friday for mentioning and to hear the application for substitutes service on the lawmakers.

Addressing reporters after the court session, counsel to the plaintiff denied the claims that his client withdrew the suit.

He stressed that their presence in court was a strong indication that the suit had not been withdrawn.