PDP chieftain asks NJC to probe Justice Okon Abang

chika ebuzor

August 4, 2016 8:09 AM

Iwuanyanwu also described attempts to remove Governor Okezie Ikpeazu from office, using the court, as a treasonable offence.

Okezie Ikpeazu

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Iwuanyanwu also described attempts to remove Governor Okezie Ikpeazu from office, using the court, as a treasonable offence.

According to a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ikpeazu, Enyinnaya Appolos, the PDP chieftain also said “I have come as a leader of Ndi Igbo to say congratulations. I want to talk about the experience we are having currently. We’re shocked to hear that somebody, a Judge ruled in Abuja that you should be removed from office.

“In some country this is treason, and those involved should be tried for treason. This is a matter that should go to appeal court, from appeal court to Supreme Court. But INEC hastily obeyed such an order that could potentially throw Abia State into bloodletting. No wonder people are saying INEC is corrupt. The head of State (President Muhammadu Buhari) should look into this matter.

“The Chief Justice of Nigeria should call his people to order. This is corruption and something should be done about it. This Judge would have put this state (Abia) into anarchy.

“The laws of our country are clear; it is only the Supreme Court in Nigeria that can take a final decision on such issues. When a court of first instance take decision beyond its jurisdiction we know something is wrong and we are all watching to know what this Federal government will do about this type of Judgment, this type of Judge.

“I can’t believe that this Judge does not know that he has overstepped his bounds. I don’t believe anybody who is a Judge doesn’t know that he acted as if he is the Supreme Court. And of course the Supreme court has a number of Judges that sit to decide a case, it is not only one Judge that takes such decision. They vote before they reach a decision.

“I am surprised that only one man said the election of the governor is fouled, cancelled it, ordered INEC to swear in another and even prevented the other man from exercising his right of appeal. Even at tribunals it cannot be taken this way, yet this is a high court Judge acting alone here. What type of inducement was he given to declare such Judgment?

“But I thank God that the country has come to realize this. I think even those that are not members of PDP are quite worried. People have come out to fault this kind of judgement, even those that are not in PDP are showing their disapproval.

“We are very disappointed; people have been accusing INEC of corruption. I can’t understand how INEC said they did what they have done because they are following a court order. I am surprised. This is a big embarrassment to the country. Ordinary High cannot give final decision on the issue. INEC has a legal department. Their legal department should have advised the INEC chairman on what the laws says.”

On June 30, 2016, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a Certificate of Return to Uche Ogah as the Governor of Abia State, following an order by Justice Okon Abang sacking Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

chika ebuzor