A coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations (CSOs) has urged the judiciary to use the ongoing court case involving Governor Hope Uzodimma to restore public confidence in the courts.
The coalition said Uzodimma had claimed he won the Imo West senatorial race through Option A4, while the APC’s national leadership stated in a submission to the Federal High Court that he had emerged through a consensus arrangement.
The coalition also cited the 2020 Supreme Court judgment that declared Uzodimma the winner of the Imo State governorship election, displacing Emeka Ihedioha.
‘That ruling drew widespread criticism. Uzodimma is now involved in another legal dispute, this time with former governor Rochas Okorocha.’
The group said previous disputes over Imo State’s governorship had seriously damaged the judiciary’s reputation.
It also referred to reports that several Nigerian judges had been denied U.S. visas.
‘The statement 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 were Abdullahi Salisu of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Forum and Hassana Mohammed of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa.’
The coalition also commended Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, stating that more judges of his caliber are needed in the judiciary.
Despite alleged pressure and lobbying, Justice Egwuatu resisted temptation and upheld justice.
‘For his steadfastness, he deserves both commendation and a national award.