CSOs ask courts to avoid issues in Uzodimma’s Senate case

A group of Nigerian civil society organisations (CSOs) is calling on the judiciary to use the ongoing court case involving Governor Hope Uzodimma to regain public trust in the courts.

The group said Uzodimma claimed he won the Imo West senatorial race through Option A4. Meanwhile, the APC’s national leadership stated in a submission to the Federal High Court that he won through a consensus arrangement. The coalition found these claims to be conflicting and alleged that the process was fraudulent.

The CSOs also mentioned the controversial 2020 Supreme Court ruling that declared Uzodimma the winner of the Imo State governorship election, taking the position from Emeka Ihedioha. This ruling faced heavy criticism. Uzodimma is now in another legal fight, this time against former governor Rochas Okorocha. According to the coalition, this case relates to an earlier judgement where a judge reportedly said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had wrongly declared Uzodimma the winner instead of Okorocha.

The group said past disputes over the Imo State governorship have harmed the reputation of the judiciary. They also noted reports that several Nigerian judges have been denied U.S. visas.

The statement was released in Bauchi, Bauchi State. It was signed by Job Samuel Danfulani from the Centre for Public Integrity, John Samuel Nangi from Nigeria Integrity Watch, and Mohammed Ibrahim Sumaila from the Northern Council of Nigeria. Other signers included Abdullahi Salisu from the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Forum and Hassana Mohammed from the Foundation for Democracy in Africa.

Citing human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu, the statement said Uzodimma’s early career included working as a driver and associate of Maurice Ibekwe, a former House of Representatives member. Ibekwe faced serious fraud allegations, including one involving hundreds of thousands of dollars and foreign nationals. He died in Kirikiri Prison in 2004 while on trial with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The coalition claimed that the fallout from the Imo governorship ruling has embarrassed the Supreme Court. They also alleged that the justices involved in that case were denied U.S. visas, despite having valid travel documents. Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke mentioned the reported visa denials in his memoir and during a 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 said at the launch.

He said the justices had planned to go to the United States for a legal conference but were denied visas, while their aides got 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 asked.

The coalition warned that Uzodimma must not be allowed to further damage the judiciary’s reputation. They said the current case is a key chance for the courts to rebuild public confidence.

The group also asked security agencies to look into reports in the Southeast that Uzodimma is trying to become Nigeria’s first Igbo president. They said they have no issues with his presidential ambitions, but the way he plans to achieve it should be clear. They insisted that the claims should not be ignored, considering Uzodimma’s rise to the governorship through the courts, and urged that his political moves be taken seriously.

The coalition recalled that Deji Adeyanju and the late Ariyo-Dare, acting through the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution, had asked the United States to impose visa restrictions on Supreme Court justices. They expressed hope that the judiciary would not repeat previous mistakes.

The temple of justice must stand firm against any attempt by anyone to push themselves into the Senate.

The coalition also praised Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for his strong integrity, saying more judges like him are needed in the judiciary. Despite pressure and lobbying, Justice Egwuatu stood firm and upheld justice. For his dedication, he deserves commendation and a national award.