From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
An Igbo group under the aegis of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has described the sudden retrial of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, as a plot to harass and intimidate Igbo leaders.
The President General of the group, Goodluck Ibem, reacting to the leave granted by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which allowed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to challenge a Federal High Court ruling barring it from retrying the former Abia State Governor over alleged N7.1 billion fraud, noted that it is politically motivated.
He said, “It is our belief that this leave granted by the court, and the subsequent actions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are politically motivated.
“The plot to retry Senator Kalu is a violation of the Nigerian constitution and an affront to the principles of the constitutional integrity.
“The Federal High Court found no sufficient evidence to substantiate the charges against Senator Kalu and subsequently acquitted him. The decision was made after a thorough legal process, and their discharge have put the matter to rest.
“However, the unexpected and abrupt retrial ordered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja raises serious concerns about the true motivations behind the recent leave granted by the Court of Appeal.
“Given the political context in which these charges and subsequent retrial are occurring, it is clear that the leave granted by the court may not be rooted in the pursuit of justice but rather in a broader political agenda.
“The timing and circumstances of this retrial strongly suggest that it is being used to undermine the credibility and legitimacy of our revered Igbo leader who is totally committed to the well-being of his people.
“This action seems to be more of a tool to target and discredit Igbo leaders, rather than an honest attempt to ensure accountability for alleged corruption.
“It is essential that the EFCC upholds the principle of justice, free from political interference or influence. A retrial after an acquittal raises serious questions about the fairness of the process and the integrity of the legal system.
“Such actions risk eroding public confidence in the legal and political systems of our country and could set a dangerous precedent for politically motivated persecution,” Ibem stated.
He urged the EFCC to reconsider its approach and to ensure that the case is handled in a manner that reflects the impartiality and fairness expected from the country’s national institutions.
He added, “Justice must be pursued based on facts and legal merit, not political interests or motivations.
“We trust that the EFCC will take these concerns into account and act in the best interests of justice and national unity.
“We therefore call on the EFCC not to allow itself to be used by politicians for the 2027 political permutations and calculations,” Ibem stated.