The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the review of the court judgement in the case between the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, made the call during a press conference in Abuja.
According to him, HURIWA is concerned over the recent judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, regarding the authenticity of Mbah’s NYSC certificate, saying the judgment had raised significant doubts about the integrity of the Nigerian judicial system.
The controversy surrounding Mbah’s NYSC certificate began in February 2023 when the NYSC questioned the authenticity of the certificate in question.
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Governor Mbah responded by filing a lawsuit against the NYSC, demanding N20 billion in compensation for conspiracy, deceit, and misrepresentation of facts.
HURIWA said: “One major concern is the assertion by Justice Inyang Ekwo that the NYSC could have prosecuted Governor Mbah if they believed his certificate was forged. This interpretation of the NYSC Act is erroneous, as the NYSC lacks the legal authority to act as a public prosecutor in cases of certificate forgery”.
HURIWA also pointed out the lack of consideration for the fact that the Inspector General of Police was actively investigating the allegations against Governor Mbah. “The absence of any mention of the actions taken by the Inspector General of Police raises doubts about the comprehensiveness and fairness of the judgment”.
It therefore called for a comprehensive and impartial review of the judgment to ensure that justice is served and the rule of law prevails. They urged the judiciary to uphold its independence and adhere to the principles of fairness and justice.
HURIWA also commended the NYSC for its unwavering stance on the matter, citing it as an example of an institution with zero tolerance for corruption.
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