Unic Press UK: The Abia State Chief Judge has vehemently denounced the reports in a number of Nigeria media that she absconded, went into hiding, over the crisis that was created when a Federal High Court in Abuja sacked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
A press release on Saturday, the 2nd July 2016, from the ACTG Chief Registrar Abia State Judiciary, Vicky Analaba, reads:
“The attention of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, has been drawn to various spurious and mischievous reports alleging that the Honorable Chief Judge had absconded from her duty post on Thursday 30th June 2016, to avoid swearing in Uche Ogah as Governor of Abia State.
“Contrary to the allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians, the Chief Judge, was in her office throughout work time on Thursday 30 June 2016 from 8:30am till 4:30pm.
“For the avoidance of doubt, on Thursday 30th June 2016, the Chief Judge was in her court room performing her lawful duties, including the delivery of four rulings on that date.
“The particulars of the ruling in question are: HU/35CM/2015 FRANCIS AKOR vs THE STATE; HU/ICM/2016-JOHNSON ASIEGBU vs COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, HU/42CM/2016-ONYEKACHI SAMUEL vs. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE; HU/34CM/2016-LUCKY SAMPSON vs. THE STATE.
“These facts are verifiable and in the records of the court. The various lawyers who appeared in the respective suits listed above are also living witnesses.
“This press release has become necessary in order to avoid further mischief and to set the records straight.“
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A Federal High Court presided by Judge Okon Abang ruled on the 27th June 2016 that the third defendant, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should immediately issue a Certificate of Return to Dr Sampson Ogah as Governor of Abia state in the election held in 2015 and restore to him all the entitlements as the elected Governor of Abia.
Judge Abang had ruled as follows:
“It is hereby ordered that INEC, the third defendant should immediately issue certificate of return to Dr Samson Ogah as governor of Abia state in the election held in 2015 and restore to him all the entitlements as the elected governor of Abia.
“Dr Okezie Ikpeazu is hereby ordered to vacate office as governor of Abia immediately relying on the decision of the Supreme Court in INEC vs Obi”
Judge Abang held that the tax clearance certificate and income tax receipts submitted by Okezie Ikpeazu were unknown to the law and made him ineligible to contest the poll. He said that the 2011 tax clearance certificate and income tax receipt submitted to INEC by Ikpeazu prior to the 2014 PDP primaries were phoney.
