The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt has struck out Chief Bekinbo Soberekon’s application for substituted service against Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

This followed a request for withdrawal of the application by Soberekon’s counsel, Ifeanyi Maduabuchi, holding brief for Femi Falana.

Striking out the application, the Lead Judge, Justice Saka Ibiyeye said the court found the motion lacking in merit, and therefore, struck out the prayers of Chief Soberekon of the Accord Party (AP).

The Court of Appeal earlier fixed Wednesday for its ruling on the petition brought by Chief Soberekon challenging the validity of the April 14, 2007, Governorship election in Rivers State.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had recorded a landslide victory in the state in the April 14 Governorship election.

Chief Soberekon had petitioned the election result alleging massive rigging, non-inclusion of his name and picture on the ballot papers for which he lost at the tribunal before heading to the Appeal Court.