NBA Slams Umahi, Demands Apology Over Comments On Court Sack
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed displeasure with the the Statement attributable to Gov. David Umahi in his reaction to the Federal High Court judgment which sacked him and his deputy, Mr Eric Kelechi as governor and deputy of Ebonyi State.
Hon. Justice Ekwo had ruled on March 8 that Umahi having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress could not continue to occupy the position as the votes that gave him victory belonged to the political party that sponsored him in the election.
Umahi at a news conference which was widely publicised described the Judgment as “jungle justice” and His Lordship as “a hatchet
man”.
The NBA in a Statement signed by Olumide Akpata, its president said the governor threw caution to the wind and deployed language that was uncomplimentary and intemperate.
According to the Lawyers, Umahi accused the Court of murdering justice and arrogated to himself the judicial powers and magisterial authority to declare the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction null and void
“He unashamedly declared his intention to disregard the Judgment in favour of another, this is impunity of the highest order and executive rascality taken too far,” it stated.
The NBA said while it remained no partisan and would continue to do so, it would not would not sit idly by in the face of this unprovoked and totally unwarranted attack on the Judiciary.
It said Umahi’s unfortunate diatribe was shocking and coming from one who occupied the exalted office of a State Governor, was nothing short of a national embarrassment.
“In the wake of the Judgment, one would have expected Umahi to sue for calm and assure that all legal and constitutional avenues would be explored to challenge the Judgment.
“Instead he resorted to attacking and denigrating the high office of a Judge in this unprecedented manner that is disgraceful. undemocratic and completely unacceptable.
“In light of the foregoing, the NBA hereby demands an immediate apology from Dave Umahi and a retraction of the comments he made against the person and Judgment of the Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court.
“It is also our demand that this apology and retraction be given as much media coverage as the Press Conference where the unfortunate comments were made,” it concluded.
