Court bars Omar from UDF meetings

The High Court in Lilongwe yesterday granted an injunction to the United Democratic Front (UDF) restraining its expelled first vice-president Iqbar Omar and two others from organising or conducting business in the name of the party.

The injunction further stops Omar and his allies from using the name, symbols, slogan, colours and structures of the party.

Omar did not pick his phone when The Nation sought his reaction.

But his counsel, Robert Kadzakumanja, appended his signature and date stamp signifying acknowledgement that he had received the court order on behalf of his client.

In his order, Justice Lloyd Muhara said the court was satisfied that the plaintiff (UDF) had valid reasons for which an injunction should be granted.

Reads the injunction in part: “This court accepts that the matter is a sensitive one touching on the lives of ordinary Malawians and that the conduct and behaviour of the defendants could endanger the social order within the party’s membership. The balance of convenience, therefore, lies in favour of granting the injunction.”

On January 22, UDF secretary general Kandi Padambo and Charles Chikuwo asked the court to stop Omar, Zaituna Yusuf and Dinocius Magombo from organising or conducting business in the name of the party, arguing their conduct and behaviour could endanger the social order within the party.

Omar has insisted that he is the legitimate first vice-president having been elected at a convention prior to the 2014 Tripartite Elections, arguing that only the party’s convention can decide on his eligibility.

He once served as member of Parliament (MP) for Lilongwe City South West Constituency.