Umahi: Court Verdict Will Strengthen Democracy – Former SSG

Hamilton Nwosa
Writer
Gov Umahi

Ad

The Need for Nigeria to Lead Africa in the Emerging Age of Artificial Intelligence

By Sonny Iroche Introduction: Standing at the Threshold of the Fourth Industrial Revolution The world is on the cusp of a seismic transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Just as steam engines powered the first Industrial Revolution, electricity and mechanization the second, and digital computing the third, AI is the defining force of the Fourth…

Why Wike Should Resign or Be Sacked: A Call to Organized Civil Society in Nigeria to Uphold Anti-corruption Standards with Consistency, By Frank Tietie

By Frank Tietie The revelations by Nigerian social crusader, investigative journalist, and activist Omoyele Sowore regarding the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyiesome Wike, are serious and warrant the attention of all Nigerians who care about the integrity of the country. Sowore has alleged that Wike laundered funds and concealed the purchase of…

Dangote Refinery Slams PENGASSAN, Describes Order as ‘Economic Sabotage’

By Abiola Olawale In an escalating labor showdown, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has fired back at the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), criticising the latter’s order on Saturday. This is as the refinery owned by Africa’s richest person, Alhaji Aliko Dangote described PENGASSAN's order to cut crude oil and gas…

Ad

Prof. Benard Odo, former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, has said that the Abuja High Court judgement that ousted Gov. Dave Umahi would “strengthen the democratic space in the country”.

The court had removed Umahi along with his deputy, Dr Eric Kelechi-Igwe, for defecting from the PDP on whose platform

they won the election in 2019, to the rival APC.

Also sacked were 17 lawmakers who defected along with the duo.

Odoh, in a statement on Thursday in Abakaliki, declared that the court verdict would enrich the nation’s adjudicatory system and deepen party democracy in Nigeria.

“As someone who has, and will always speak and stand for the Ebonyi masses, I am optimistic that this verdict, whichever way the pendulum swings,will indeed help in enriching the Nigerian adjudicatory system on election matter.

He particularly noted that the landmark judgement was the first time a serving governor and his deputy were being sacked by the court over defection to another political party.

“There has not been a judicial precedence of this kind since the advent of the Fourth Republic, hence the varied interpretations and reactions the verdict has generated.

“However, for reasonable and discerning minds, the prevailing situation, including the varied interpretations, are all within the confines of what democracy permits,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Iyang Ekwo delivered the judgement in a case filed by by Umahi’s former political platform, the PDP.

He hinged his judgement on the view that votes belong to the political parties and not the individuals flying the tickets. (NAN)

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp