Use ongoing Uzodimma case to revive public confidence in courts – CSO tells judiciary

The coalition mentioned Uzodimma had claimed he gained the Imo West senatorial race by way of Option A4, whereas the APC’s nationwide management said in a submission to the Federal High Court that he had emerged by way of a consensus association. Describing the accounts as conflicting, the group alleged that the method was fraudulent.

The coalition additionally cited the controversial 2020 Supreme Court judgment that declared Uzodimma the winner of the Imo State governorship election, displacing Emeka Ihedioha. The ruling drew widespread criticism. Uzodimma is now concerned in one other authorized dispute, this time with former governor Rochas Okorocha. According to the coalition, the case pertains to an earlier ruling by which a choose reportedly mentioned that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fraudulently declared Uzodimma the winner as a substitute of Okorocha.

The assertion was issued in Bauchi, Bauchi State. It was signed by Job Samuel Danfulani of the Centre for Public Integrity, John Samuel Nangi of Nigeria Integrity Watch, and Mohammed Ibrahim Sumaila of the Northern Council of Nigeria. Other signatories have been Abdullahi Salisu of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Forum and Hassana Mohammed of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa.

Citing human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu, the assertion alleged that Uzodimma’s early profession included working as a driver and affiliate of Maurice Ibekwe, a former member of the House of Representatives. Ibekwe confronted high-profile fraud allegations, together with an alleged rip-off involving lots of of hundreds of {dollars} and overseas nationals. He died in Kirikiri Prison in 2004 whereas standing trial earlier than the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The coalition mentioned the fallout from the Imo governorship ruling had embarrassed the Supreme Court. It additionally alleged that justices concerned within the case have been denied U.S. visas regardless of holding legitimate journey paperwork. Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke referred to the reported visa denials in his memoir and at a e-book launch in February 2023.

“Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke mocked the Supreme Court justices who delivered the 2020 Imo State governorship election judgment, revealing that they were denied U.S. visas. The justices that gave that judgment cannot go to the United States today because they have been denied visas,” Mr. Duke mentioned on the launch.

He mentioned the justices had deliberate to journey to the United States for a authorized convention however have been denied visas, whereas their aides have been granted them.

“They wanted to go on a retreat. Their aides were given visas, but they were not. How much disgrace can we take as a nation before we say enough is enough?” Mr. Duke mentioned.

The coalition warned that the Uzodimma’s case should not be allowed to additional harm the judiciary’s repute, saying the present case presents an necessary alternative for the courts to revive public confidence.

The group additionally referred to as on safety businesses to research stories circulating within the Southeast that Uzodimma is positioning himself to turn out to be Nigeria’s first Igbo president. The coalition mentioned it had no objection to his presidential ambition, however argued that the means by which he intends to pursue it ought to be established. It mentioned the claims shouldn’t be dismissed, given Uzodimma’s rise to the governorship by way of the courts, and urged that his political manoeuvres not be underestimated.

The coalition recalled that Deji Adeyanju and the late Ariyo-Dare, performing by way of the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution, had petitioned the United States to impose visa restrictions on Supreme Court justices. It mentioned it hoped the judiciary wouldn’t repeat previous errors.

The temple of justice should stand as much as any fraudulent try by anybody to smuggle himself into eleventh senate

The coalition additionally counseled Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for his unwavering integrity, stating that extra judges of his caliber are wanted within the judiciary. Despite alleged strain and lobbying, Justice Egwuatu resisted temptation and upheld justice. For his steadfastness, he deserves each commendation and a nationwide award.