Statement on developments with the Ibori trial at Asaba, Nigeria and the adjournment of the case against his associates at Southwark Crown Court

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, Respect Nigerians Coalition as an organization believes in the inviolable principle of civilized justice, which states that every accused person is innocent until proven guilty. So, on that basis, we have no case against James Ibori, the former Governor of Delta State and his sister and associates on trial in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, because, as far as we know, they are yet to be convicted of any offence. However, we do have serious reservations about how the case against Ibori is being conducted in Asaba, Nigeria. We have followed the case closely and strongly believe that it is a sad example of how a case should not be prosecuted, defended or adjudicated.As citizens and stakeholders in the wellbeing of our nation, we, like most Nigerians, feel very strongly about the issue of political or public sector corruption and the obvious harm it’s done and is still doing to our body politic. Indeed, it is something that hardworking and law-abiding citizens of every nation must take seriously. For instance, figures released by the United Nations just a few days ago indicate that political corruption costs countries as much as £951 billion ($1.6 trillion) every year! It is nothing short of crime against humanity, because it not only kills development, it kills people en mass! As defenders of the integrity of Nigeria and Nigerians, be they at home or abroad, we believe that such a disease that has blighted the life of our nation so terribly must be fought to a standstill in any forum.

Petition over the involvement of Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour in ca/l/866m/2009: Chief Olabode George & ors v f.r.n.

We are solicitors to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that is the Respondent in the above-mentioned appeal (prosecuting on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria). We write on its behalf.

My Lord, on Monday, October 26, 2009, a Lagos High Court (Criminal Division) presided by the Hon. Justice Olubunmi Oyewole gave judgment in Charge No. ID/71C/08 in which the Appellants above, (who were Defendants at the Court below) were found guilty on 47-Counts of offences bothering on abuse of office (by splitting contracts in public office), disobedience of lawful orders, and conspiracy. They were sentenced to two years for some of the offences and six months for some others - all to run concurrently.

Pursuant to their constitutional right, they have appealed to this Honourable Court by filing Notices of Appeal at the Court below. They also simultaneously filed motions for bail at the lower court, pending their appeal. However, on Monday, November 9, 2009, the lower court, presided over by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole dismissed all the applications.

Appeal Court Panel Unanimously Dismisses Andy Uba's Petition

Andy Uba, the controversial former domestic aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, today lost his case at the special election's appeals panel made up of Court of Appeal justices sitting in Enugu. Spontaneous and widespread celebration broke out in the streets of Enugu and Anambra States as soon as word spread about Uba’s latest humiliating defeat.The five-judge panel led by Justice J. Sylvanus Ngwuta unanimously dismissed Uba’s application to be declared Anambra’s “governor-in-waiting” based on the fraudulent electoral exercise conducted by the Professor Maurice Iwu-led electoral commission in April 2007.“The justices have finally rescued their names from ignominy and Anambra from a serious constitutional crisis,” said a lawyer who was present in court to hear the panel announce its decision. The lawyer further stated that several reports by Saharareporters exposing massive behind-the-scene corrupt deals between Uba and some of the justices led to a massive public outcry, including a threat by Ikemba Nnewi, Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, who said the country could be embroiled in another civil war should the justices sell the judgment to Uba.

Andy Uba's "Governor-in-waiting" panel deadlocked, adjourns till November 13 2009

A five-justice panel of the Court of Appeal, Enugu, today failed to agree on a verdict in a case filed by Emmanuel Nnamdi (Andy) Uba pleading to be declared Anambra State’s governor-in-waiting. Instead, the court, led by Justice J. S. Ngwuta, has set a new date of November 13 for its ruling.A source close to one of the justices told Saharareporters that the court’s inability to hand down a ruling today was largely dictated by our detailed expose on the intrigues and scandals involved in the gubernatorial elections petition appeal case brought by Mr. Uba. Our reports had disclosed that Mr. Uba, who amassed a huge wealth during the eight years he worked as former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s aide on domestic matters, had arranged to furnish some of the justices with millions of dollars in cash in exchange for a ruling that he must assume the governorship next March.

Andy Uba; who is blackmailing the Appeal Court Judges?

Andy Uba is right to go back to court if he believes that the court decision was arrived at fraudulently. Peter obi is right to cry foul at what seems an attempt to resurrect an issue the court has already decided. I am right to criticise Andy Uba for engaging in a course I believe is an abuse of court processes; But the Appeal Court Judges should be allowed to decide “without fear or favour, affection or ill-will”.
Andy Uba; who is blackmailing the Appeal Court Judges?
As the battle for the governorship of Anambra State shifts to the appeal Court next week, a strange and dangerous dimension has been introduced to the case brought by Andy Uba for the interpretation of the tenure of Mr Peter Obi, the Governor of Anambra State. Uba wants the court to declare him “a governor-in-waiting”. But some characters have already decided what the court decision will be.
Rather than allow the courts as independent arbiters to give their judgement free from Undue influence, these characters have taken it upon themselves to influence the direction of judgement. Their aim is to fetter the courts discretion.
In a widely circulated missive on the internet, one Mr Ode Murphy declared that the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu has moved the day for judgement on Andy Governor-in-Waiting case from the 5th to the 6th of November.