The Ebonyi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) has rejected the Tuesday judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja which removed from office Governor David Umahi and Deputy Governor Dr Kelechi Igwe for defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
The party’s state chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-emegha, in a swift reaction, said that the presiding judge erred in his judgement which he described as an abuse of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999).
According to APC Chairman in the state, said Inyang erred in his judgment which he described as an abuse of the 1999 Constitution.
He accused Iyang of acting the script of political detractors who were out to embarrass the governor and his deputy in order to achieve cheap political points.
He, however, called on APC members as well as the governor’s supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, adding that the judgment would surely be appealed.
“The judgment was clearly biased and it’s unacceptable. Already, there is a judgment from a High Court in Abakaliki and also in Zamfara State which said a governor and his deputy cannot be removed from office on account of their defection to another party. However, there is no need for panic as the judgment will surely be appealed. All APC members and the governor supporters are advised to remain calm and law-abiding.”
Meanwhile Umahi has described the judgment as null and void and of no effect, stressing that he remained the governor.
Addressing newsmen in his office in Abakaliki, Umahi said he would not obey the judgment which he claimed contravened some critical stipulations of the 1999 Constitution on how to remove a serving governor or his deputy from office.
He further accused Justice Iyang of corruption and bias, alleging that he was influenced to deliver the judgement against him.
“I am still the governor of Ebonyi State and there is no tension at all. In the first place, there is no constitutional provision for any hatchet man to remove a governor. There are three ways whereby a governor can vacate his office: it’s either by death, resignation and impeachment. There is no other constitutional provision that empowers a hatchet man to turn the constitution upside down.
“I have listened to the judgment of Inyang and it’s very obvious that he was on a mission. He was making effort to upturn the rulings of the Appeal and Supreme courts, on issues like this. We have heard the rumours before now that he was determined to give judgment against all known laws and the constitution, first to embarrass the APC, and to equally embarrass the Federal Government.
“For me, I do not feel worried. But, I feel so bad for the judiciary in Nigeria. The executive may have problems; the legislature may have problems but the moment justice could be purchased, then we are in trouble in Nigeria. It’s obvious the ruling this afternoon is a clear evidence this country is in trouble. And let me tell you, this same judge has over 10 cases against the Ebonyi State government with him. And you can imagine what he is going to rule.
“We have petitioned him to National Judicial Council and we will follow it up to the end to ensure this man (Inyang) is brought to justice. I want you to disregard the judgment because it’s null and void. There is a subsisting judgment in Zamafara State and also in Ebonyi State. So, we have chosen the one to obey; we will not obey his ruling.”
Follow us on social medias platform – Twitters – NN News – NN News Team – Facebook pages/group – NN News – NN News Team – NN News Group
Comment on the article for thoughtful opinions will count. NN News will remove threats, harassments and other violations. If you’re having issues with commenting, please let us know.
