A pro-democracy group, Alliance for Democracy and Good Governance, has urged the Supreme Court to hear a motion before it on the case between Ugwmba Uche Nwosu V. Action People’s Party and three others since 2019.
The civil society organization, in a statement by its convener, Comrade Ochiaka Ugwu said that it had become pertinent to make the call because another gubernatorial election is scheduled November 2023.
“As a group that strongly believes in regard for democratic values, we noted with dismay how the apex court swept the matter under the carpet simply because it’s a political case.
“The tribunal sitting abinitio was moved to Mararaba because the panel members feared for their lives and posited that they lack the confidence to get the required security, to aid them carry out their functions diligently without fear or favour.
“This is not a good omen for our growing democracy. The Supreme Court must ensure that justice is served not just only to the people whose matter is in court but also to the society at large.
“It is crystal clear that the people of Imo State do not want the governor and his cohorts and this resulted in the relocation of the Tribunal Panel out of Imo State. It is worthy of note that reminders have been sent to the court since 2019 and till date and no date has been fixed.
“This goes to show that the Nigerian Judiciary is no longer the hope of the common man. Nigeria’s democracy needs to be strengthened by the Supreme Court as it is the last hope for the common man,” Ugwu added.
He said it is more upsetting to even know that several reminders had been put to the court in 2020, 2021 and 2023 but it had failed to hear the matter.
“We are calling on the Supreme Court to show that they are not being compromised by hearing the matter that has been before them since 2019 so that justice can be served and seen,” he continued.
He said Imo people deserve justice and the court should not allow itself to be ridiculed as all eyes are on the court.
“And, this should be a matter of urgency, as justice delayed is justice denied,” the statement concluded.
