CSOs Challenge Judiciary to Rebuild Public Trust Through Uzodimma-Okorocha Legal Dispute

A coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Nigerian judiciary to demonstrate its independence and credibility by ensuring fairness in the ongoing legal dispute involving Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha.

The organisations described the case as an opportunity for the courts to address lingering public concerns about the administration of justice and rebuild confidence in the country's judicial system.

The coalition made the appeal in a joint statement issued in Bauchi State and signed by Job Samuel Danfulani of the Centre for Public Integrity; John Samuel Nangi of Nigeria Integrity Watch; Mohammed Ibrahim Sumaila of the Northern Council of Nigeria; Abdullahi Salisu of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Forum; and Hassana Mohammed of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa.

The group expressed concern over controversies surrounding Uzodimma's political emergence, particularly his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.

According to the coalition, Uzodimma reportedly claimed to have secured the party's ticket through Option A4, while the APC national leadership allegedly informed the Federal High Court that his emergence was through a consensus arrangement.

It questioned the conflicting accounts, describing them as issues requiring proper judicial examination.

The organisations also recalled the January 2020 Supreme Court judgment that removed Emeka Ihedioha as Imo State governor and declared Uzodimma the winner of the governorship election, a decision that generated considerable public controversy.

They argued that the latest legal confrontation involving Uzodimma and Okorocha has renewed concerns about the judiciary's handling of politically sensitive cases.

The coalition further referenced comments attributed to former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, concerning reports that some Supreme Court justices involved in the 2020 Imo governorship judgment were denied United States visas despite their aides reportedly receiving approval.

It also cited concerns previously raised by human rights lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu, regarding Uzodimma's political associations before his emergence as governor.

On the ongoing proceedings, the organisations insisted that the judiciary must resist political influence and ensure that the matter is determined strictly on the strength of the evidence presented before the court.

They warned that any decision perceived as favouring political interests over justice could further weaken public confidence in the judicial institution.

The coalition also called on security agencies to investigate reports circulating in the South-East concerning alleged moves by Uzodimma towards becoming Nigeria's first Igbo president.

It clarified that it had no objection to the governor pursuing a presidential ambition but maintained that any allegations surrounding his political activities should be properly investigated.

Meanwhile, the organisations commended Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for what they described as his courage, impartiality and commitment to judicial integrity.

They alleged that the judge resisted pressure and lobbying in the discharge of his judicial responsibilities, describing his conduct as an example worthy of emulation by other members of the judiciary.

The coalition maintained that Nigeria needs more judges who can uphold the rule of law without yielding to political or external pressures.

It expressed hope that the ongoing Uzodimma-Okorocha dispute would provide an opportunity for the judiciary to demonstrate its commitment to justice, fairness and institutional independence.