By Hassan Zaggi
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), over what it described as “serious concerns over an alleged miscarriage of justice in the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.”
It further called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of Tribunal Chairman, Justice Kudirat Morayo Akano.
A statement signed the by HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, disclosed that the petition focused on the conduct of the tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Kudirat Morayo Akano, and her panel members during the adjudication of Petition No: EPT/EN/GOV/01/2023.
The petition which was addressed to the Chairman of the NJC, highlighted critical issues relating to the tribunal’s handling of the election dispute filed by Chijioke Edoga and the Labour Party, challenging the outcomes of the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in Enugu State.
The key point of contention in the dispute revolves around the authenticity of Governor Ndubuisi Peter Mbah’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
“The Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal was tasked with adjudicating Petition No: EPT/EN/GOV/01/2023.
“This petition was filed by Chijioke Edoga and the Labour Party, contesting the outcomes of the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in Enugu State, involving the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Ndubuisi Peter Mbah, and the People’s Democratic Party.
“At the heart of the electoral dispute lies a fundamental issue: the authenticity of Governor Peter Mbah’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
“The NYSC, a government institution, played a pivotal role in these proceedings by testifying that they did not issue the certificate presented by Governor Mbah.
“This revelation raised legal questions and concerns about the sanctity of a national institution and the principles of electoral integrity”.
HURIWA further argued that the tribunal’s dismissal of compelling evidence and testimony from NYSC officials regarding the questionable nature of Governor Mbah’s certificate is a cause for alarm, insisting that the decision raised questions about the tribunal’s commitment to truth and justice.
HURIWA further expressed concern over Justice Kudirat Akano’s appointment as the Chairman of the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, despite her involvement in a previous case in Osun State.
In that case (Suit No: HED/48/2021), HURIWA recalled, allegations of forgery of selection documents, flagrant disobedience to court orders, and the use of incorrect legal provisions for illegal appointments were raised.
“More pertinently, questions have arisen as to why Justice Akano was chosen to preside over a governorship dispute of such significance despite a petition to the NJC by the Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice’s Michael Agaasi on behalf of Adeniyi Sulaiman, a plaintiff in a case Akano struck out.
“Why was Justice Akano made the chairman of that panel when she had an allegation of a miscarriage of justice before the NJC?”
While calling for a quick, impartial and comprehensive investigation into the conduct of Justice Akano and her panel, HURIWA called for a review of the judgment, accountability for any miscarriage of justice, and measures to uphold the sanctity of national symbols such as the NYSC certificate.
“The NYSC certificate serves as a symbol of national unity and service. If individuals can present forged certificates without consequences, it undermines the credibility of all certificates issued in Nigeria and threatens the sanctity of our national symbols,” HURIWA reiterated.
