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Umahi’s Reaction over Court Removal ‘Impunity of the Highest Order’, NBA Fumes
The Nigerian Bar Association has described the reaction by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, to the Court order which sacked him and his deputy, Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe, from office as “impunity of the highest order and executive rascality taken too far.”
Umahi and his deputy were on Tuesday sacked on the grounds of their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The NBA, in a statement signed by the President, Olumide Akpata, expressed the displeasure that Umahi, after his sacking, accused the Court of “murdering justice,” adding that the Governor also arrogated to himself the judicial powers and magisterial authority to declare the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction as null and void.
The NBA said, “Following the Judgment, Umahi, in the course of a Press Conference – video evidence of which is currently making the rounds on both new and mainstream media – threw caution to the wind and deployed very uncomplimentary adjectives and intemperate language in characterising both the Judgment and Hon. Justice Ekwo, including but not limited to describing the Judgment as “jungle justice” and His Lordship as “a hatchet man”.
“As if these were not enough, Engr. Umahi accused the Court of “murdering justice” and also arrogated to himself the judicial powers and magisterial authority to declare the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction as null and void while unashamedly declaring his intention to disregard the Judgment in favour of another.
“To put it plainly, this is impunity of the highest order and executive rascality taken too far.
“While the NBA has absolutely no interest in the outcome of the case in question and will continue to stay away from partisan politics, it is inconceivable that this Association that is charged with upholding the rule of law and defending the Judiciary would sit idly by in the face of this unprovoked and totally unwarranted attack on the Judiciary. Indeed, the leadership of the NBA has been inundated with calls from a cross-section of well-meaning Nigerians who are understandably outraged by the utterances of Engr. Dave Umahi and who have rightly demanded that appropriate action be taken to protect the sanctity of the Judiciary.
“It is for this reason that we condemn without equivocation, Engr. Umahi’s unfortunate diatribe which, if it had emanated from an average litigant, would still have been regarded as shocking but coming from one who occupies the exalted office of a State Governor, is nothing short of a national embarrassment.
“In the wake of the Judgment, one would have expected Engr. Umahi to sue for calm from his supporters and to assure them that all legal and constitutional avenues would be explored to challenge the judgment. For H.E. Engr. Umahi to instead resort to attacking and denigrating the high office of a Judge in this unprecedented manner is disgraceful, undemocratic and completely unacceptable.
“As Kayode Eso, JSC of blessed memory famously noted, “[t]he essence of the rule of law is that it should never operate under the rule of force or fear.” We view Engr. Umahi’s reaction to this Judgment as being consistent with the current penchant, on the part of those in the executive arm of government, for intimidating the Judiciary whilst taking advantage of the historical reluctance of that arm of government to rise to its own defence.
“In light of the foregoing, the NBA hereby demands an immediate apology from H.E. Engr. Dave Umahi and a retraction of the comments he made against the person and Judgment of the Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court. It is also our demand that this apology and retraction be given as much media coverage as the Press Conference where the unfortunate comments were made.”
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
