Abia crisis: I’m not on the run, says Chief Judge

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Court of Appeal
Court of Appeal

The Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, has dispelled insinuations that she has absconded from her duty post, to avoid swearing in Uche Ogah as Governor of Abia State.

She described it as “allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians” who do not mean well for the State.

Uzokwe said contrary to the allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians, she was in her office throughout work time on Thursday June 30 2016 from 8:30am till 4:30pm.

The CJ in a statement issued on her behalf by the Acting Chief Registrar Abia State Judiciary, Mrs. Vicky Analaba and obtained by THE PUNCH on Sunday in Abuja, said the facts are verifiable and in the records of the court for the public to see.

The statement 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 rulings in question are, HU/35CM/2015 FRANCIS AKOR vs THE STATE; HU/ICM/2016-Johnson Aseigbu 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.”

THE PUNCH reports that following the issuance of a certificate of return to Ogah by the Independent National Electoral Commission and his anticipated inauguration, tension has enveloped Abia State Government House in Umuahia.

While a Federal High Court in Abuja, had sacked Ikpeazu and ordered Ogah to take over, the court has also fixed Monday for hearing of a motion asking for a stay of execution of the judgment filed by Ikpeazu through his lead counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).

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