Use ongoing Uzodimma case to restore public confidence in courts – CSO tells judiciary
The Coalition for Public Integrity has raised concerns over the legitimacy of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s election as the Imo West senator, citing inconsistencies in claims about his victory. Uzodimma has asserted that he won the election through the Option A4 process, while the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contends that he emerged through a consensus arrangement. The coalition regards these assertions as conflicting and alleges that the electoral process was tainted by fraud.
In its statement, the coalition referenced a contentious 2020 Supreme Court judgment that declared Uzodimma the winner of the Imo State governorship election, a decision that displaced Emeka Ihedioha and elicited significant public backlash. Uzodimma is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with former governor Rochas Okorocha, centering on an earlier ruling where a judge purportedly indicated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fraudulently declared Uzodimma as the victor instead of Okorocha.
The coalition’s statement was issued in Bauchi and was signed by several representatives, including 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, among others.
The coalition also highlighted allegations against Uzodimma’s early career, where he reportedly worked as a driver and associate of Maurice Ibekwe, a former member of the House of Representatives who faced serious fraud allegations. Ibekwe died in Kirikiri Prison in 2004 while on trial connected to those allegations.
Additionally, the coalition expressed concerns regarding the fallout from the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Imo governorship case, noting that it has brought embarrassment to the judiciary. They cited claims by former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, who alleged that justices involved in the 2020 ruling were denied visas to the United States, despite holding valid travel documents. Duke mentioned these allegations in his memoir and during a book launch in February 2023, questioning how such a situation reflects on the nation’s judicial integrity.
Duke stated, “The justices that gave that judgment cannot go to the United States today because they have been denied visas.” He further noted that while the justices had planned to attend a legal conference, their aides were granted visas.
The coalition emphasized that the ongoing case involving Uzodimma should not further tarnish the reputation of the judiciary, urging the courts to seize the opportunity to restore public confidence. They also called on security agencies to investigate reports suggesting that Uzodimma is positioning himself to become Nigeria’s first Igbo president. While the coalition does not oppose his presidential ambitions, it stresses the importance of examining the methods he employs to achieve his objectives.
Furthermore, the coalition recalled previous efforts by Deji Adeyanju and the late Ariyo-Dare, who petitioned the United States to impose visa restrictions on Supreme Court justices. They expressed hope that the judiciary would not repeat past mistakes.
Finally, the coalition praised Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for his integrity and called for more judges of his caliber in the judiciary. The coalition commended Justice Egwuatu for resisting alleged pressures and maintaining his commitment to justice, suggesting that he is deserving of national recognition.
