From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
kinsmen of murdered Enugu nurse, Dr. Mrs. Maria Amadi of National Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu who belongs to the bar, yesterday took a swipe at Coalition of Civil Society Groups in the state for trying to drag Enugu state government into the trial of arrested suspects.
Likewise, a youth group under the aegis of Enugu Youth Coalition for Good Governance, has berated the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in the state for giving the state government a 14-day ultimatum to release the three suspects in the murder of Mrs. Amadi.
The deceased until her gruesome murder in March 2019 by unknown gun men, was the former head of nursing services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu.
In in their separate reactions to the 14-day ultimatum, Aku Diewa Lawyers’ Forum (ADLAF) and Enugu Youth Coalition for Good Governance, expressed shock that the convener Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Enugu,Mr. Onyebuchi Igboke, would engage in cheap blackmail of the state government by unnecessarily dragging it into the on going trial of suspects in connection with the brutal murder.
The chairman of ADLAF, Ochiagha Ozor, Esq., said: “Ordinarily, it is subjudice to discuss this issue considering that it is before a law court. It is quite unfortunate that civil society organisations that are supposed to be champions constitutionalism, rule of law and fair hearing have made themselves willing tools for cheap blackmail in this case”.
Ozor stressed that Igboke’s ultimatum to the state government was an attempt to obstruct justice, and warned hints desist from “towing this line or he should be prepared to face the legal consequences”.
On his part, the coordinator of the youth coalition, who is also the Executive Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Paschal Ugwu, described the 14-day ultimatum to the state government as baseless, diversionary and mere shadow-chasing.
The youth group warned the purported CSOs to respect the rule of law and allow justice to take its course, adding that any attempt to divert attention and mischievously ridicule the state government’s commitment to justice will be firmly resisted.
The youth stated that that the “kangaroo” ultimatum was the handiwork of those who are afraid of justice and have skeletons in their cupboards, wondering why they should not allow the judiciary and the security agencies carry out their due responsibilities, according to the law and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On the threat by the CSOs led by Comrade Igboke Onyebuchi to embark on a protest if the three persons accused and detained over the murder of the nurse are not released after the expiration of the two-week ultimatum, the youth group warned them to desist from any act that could undermine the existing peace and tranquility in the state.
According to the youth coalition, “Enugu youths view this latest show of shame by this concocted coalition of civil society organizations’ group being mischievously propelled by one Igboke Onyebuchi as a charade and a diversionary measure to evade justice – we cannot allow this to happen.
“We, therefore, warn the originators of this baseless ultimatum to allow justice to take its course and stop bringing Enugu State government into this matter as it is neither the judiciary nor the police that are prosecuting the murder case in a competent court of law. We urge the state government to remain focused and undaunted in its resolve to support and promote the course of justice in Enugu State”.
