Coalition Challenges Judiciary Over Uzodimma Case, Warns Against Manipulation

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations has challenged the judiciary to demonstrate its independence and restore public confidence in the courts amid an ongoing legal dispute involving Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

The coalition warned against political interference and manipulation of the judicial process, describing the case as an opportunity for the judiciary to address concerns arising from previous controversial court decisions involving Imo State.

The organisations made their position known in a statement jointly issued in Bauchi State and signed by Job Samuel Danfulani of the Centre for Public Integrity; John Samuel Nangi of Nigeria Integrity Watch; Mohammed Ibrahim Sumaila of the Northern Council of Nigeria; Abdullahi Salisu of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Forum; and Hassana Mohammed of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa.

The coalition questioned conflicting accounts surrounding Uzodimma’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.

According to the group, Uzodimma had claimed that he secured the party’s ticket through Option A4, while the APC national leadership reportedly told the Federal High Court that his emergence followed a consensus arrangement.

It described the accounts as contradictory and alleged that the process was fraudulent.

The coalition also recalled the January 2020 Supreme Court judgment that overturned the election of Emeka Ihedioha and declared Uzodimma the winner of the Imo State governorship election.

The judgment generated widespread controversy, with critics questioning the basis of the decision and its implications for public confidence in the judiciary.

The organisations said the latest legal dispute involving Uzodimma and former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha had revived concerns about the credibility of judicial decisions involving the state.

They also referenced allegations and questions surrounding the circumstances in which the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Uzodimma governor following the Supreme Court judgment.

The coalition further cited comments attributed to former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, concerning reports that some Supreme Court justices involved in the 2020 judgment were denied United States visas.

At a book launch in February 2023, Duke reportedly said the justices were denied visas while their aides were granted them.

“The justices that gave that judgment cannot go to the United States today because they have been denied visas,” he was quoted as saying.

Duke reportedly added that the justices had intended to attend a legal retreat in the United States but were unsuccessful in their visa applications.

“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?” he reportedly said.

The coalition also referenced allegations concerning Uzodimma’s early political associations, citing human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu.

It alleged that the governor had worked as a driver and associate of the late Maurice Ibekwe, a former member of the House of Representatives who faced high-profile fraud allegations before his death in Kirikiri Prison in 2004 while standing trial.

The organisations, however, urged the judiciary to focus on the evidence before it and determine the ongoing proceedings strictly on their merits.

“The temple of justice must stand up to any fraudulent attempt by anyone to smuggle himself into the 11th Senate,” the coalition said.

The group also called on security agencies to investigate reports circulating in the South-East that Uzodimma was positioning himself to become Nigeria’s first Igbo president.

It stressed that it had no objection to the governor pursuing a presidential ambition but maintained that the circumstances surrounding the reports should be properly established.

The coalition urged the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations rather than dismiss them without scrutiny.

It also recalled that Deji Adeyanju and the late Ariyo-Dare, under the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution, had previously petitioned the United States over proposed visa restrictions against Supreme Court justices.

The organisations said the judiciary must learn from past controversies and avoid decisions capable of further undermining public trust in the courts.

Meanwhile, the coalition commended Federal High Court judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, for what it described as his courage and commitment to judicial integrity.

It alleged that the judge resisted attempts to influence him despite pressure and lobbying, adding that his conduct demonstrated the qualities required to strengthen the judiciary.

The group called for national recognition of judges who uphold judicial independence and integrity, saying Egwuatu deserved commendation for his alleged commitment to justice.

Note: The allegations and claims in the report are attributed to the coalition or the individuals cited. They should not be presented as independently established facts without further verification. The governor and other parties mentioned should be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before publication.