By peter uzoma
Despite the reported removal of Justices Muhammed Muntaka Coomasie and Sulieman Galadima from the Panel of Justices hearing Gov Rochas Okorocha’s appeal at the Supreme Court, challenging the Appeal court ruling joining Dr Ikedi Ohakim as party in the Imo 2011 Governorship Supplementary election matter brought by Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, a Group of Lawyers have kicked against the panel set to hear the case at Supreme Court Abuja.
The Lawyers under the aegis of Lawyers in Defence of Democracy (LIDD), an affiliate member of Leadership Watch International, USA, has queried the inclusion of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed in the new Panel, much more as the head.
In a petition to the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, dated 5/6/2013 and submitted on 6/6/2013, with the caption “Re: Imo Governorship election case”, the Lawyers alleged that “Justices Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, Munkata Coomasie and Sulieman Galadima are personal friends of Governor Okorocha. To deepen our frustration, the conduct of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed at the resumed hearing on June 4, 2013 leaves much to be desired”.
The petition signed by Bar Chimezie Onwu and Bar (Hon) Adebalogun Sai as National Secretary and National Coordinators of LIDD respectively alleged that “At that hearing, Justice Mohammed Tanko berated Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN and counsel to one of the respondents, for telling the court that since the case is time-barred, there is need for acceralated hearing”.
The Group said it was shocked when Justice Tanko Ibrahim said that the case could go on “ad infinitum”. It said the statement confirmed the fears that there “exists an understanding to frustrate the respondents to the Appeal by making the case drag till Governor Okorocha completes the term of mandate”
The Group of Lawyers went on to say that it was disappointing and shocking that a mere interlocutory motion could drag on for ever, pointing out that the appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the joining of Ikedi Ohakim to the case has been on for more than one year.
The Body therefore implored the Chief Justice of Nigeria to use her office to effect the changes in the Panel, and fix a new date for hearing so that there would be a fair and level playing ground, for all the parties involved in the Imo 2011 Governorship supplementary election to obtain
