From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Factional leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) led by Edozi Njoku, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obey court orders and be neutral in the crisis ravaging the party.

Njoku at press briefing yesterday in Abuja, accused INEC to doing the biddings of his rival Victor Oye, even when the court had ruled against him.

He questioned the interest of INEC in the crisis when it ought to be neutral and abide by the judgements of the court affirming him as the authentic chairman of APGA.

“Against all odds, Nigerians must stand by the institution of the Judiciary to save it from men and women that are committed to compromising justice with the aim to ruin its integrity and sanctity.

“Like you know, on November 9, 2023, FCT High Court 40 (Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/4068/2023) (which was where Chief Victor Oye took me to in November 2022 on a criminal charge, alleging that I forged a Supreme Court Judgment and was subsequently remanded at the Suleja prison for two days) gave Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, INEC Chaiman 14 Days Ultimatum to recognize me as National Chairman of APG.4 or risk jail.

“Today is November 24, 2023. That is, 5days away from November 29, 2023, the adjourned date for Mahmood to be sent to jail.

“By its judgment, the Court found Mahmood and Oye culpable, but out of leniency gave them a 14days window to purge themselves or prepare for jail.

“Rather than do the needful, INEC headed by Yakubu Mahmood in collaboration with Oye have headed to the Appeal Court, boasting that they have procured enough Judges to ensure that the contempt charge dangling over their heads end up as exercise in futility. Should INEC not be immediately recognizing me?

“However, there are far reaching implications to INEC’s posturing and grandstanding. It signals an internment to competent Court orders in Nigeria.

“INEC led by Mahmood, simply wants to prove to the world that it has immunity, delusional powers to pick and anoint National Chairmen for political parties, as well as powers to decide which court order to obey and which one not to.

“Perhaps, this informs why INEC would obey the Judgment of the Court which candidate in the just concluded Sylva’s name as these when the Appeal Court ruled otherwise.

Nonetheless, we have resolved to stand by the veracity of the Court in its judgments which states thus;

“‘A court does not make an order in vain: a court order must not be disobeyed. Disobedience to a valid court order undermines the integrity and sanctity of the court. This insanity of flouting court order must stop, and it cannot continue. The disobedience to the order made by this court on May 10, is undoubtedly an affront on the sanctity of the court,”

“Dear Countrymen and women, this is the way to go. We must stop men and women who feel that they have powers to select which court orders to obey and which not to obey. Nigeria is for us all and we cannot aide its destruction by keeping a blind eye to high handed impunity.

“By mounting pressure on the Appeal Court, Abuja Division, INEC lead by Mahmood and Oye are trying so hard to derail justice and make the truth captive.

“At this point, a rehash of the Judgment of the Appeal Court Kano Division in Suit No: CA/KN/146/2021 will suffice;

‘”As I stated earlier, the disputes or cause of action between the 1st Respondent and 2nd Respondent centered on the question of the National Chairman of the 1st Applicant.

“The 1st and 2nd Respondents, claimed that the National Chairman had been suspended by the Party which necessitated the appointment of an Acting Chairman and whose position was in contention (Chief Edozie Njoku) was never joined as a Party so that he could be heard at the allegation against him which led to the contest between the 1st .

“The learned Justices at the Kano Panel Court made it expressly clear and 2nd Respondents that it was my position as the National Chairman of APGA that was in contention.

“Furthermore, the sudden appearance of Chief Victor Oye’s name in the Appeal who was Ukaego Peter Mary – Odili referred November 7, 2022 letter, National Chairman of APGA. to as a trajectory of errors in her where she eminently addressed me as the Justice following up on her letter, the Chief Justice of the Federation wrote me, personally on January 19, 2023 and addressed me as the National Chairman of APGA.”