Former Cross River Governor, Donald Duke on Wednesday said
the United States government has sanctioned some Justices in Nigeria.
Duke made the comment in Lagos at the launch of a memoir of
retired Justice Charles Archibong. He served on the bench of the Federal High
Court from 2002 to 2013.
The politician told the gathering that America slammed a
visa ban on the Justices who delivered a verdict that made “a candidate who
came fourth the winner of an election”.
Duke said their application to attend a Judges’ Conference in the U.S. were rejected, though their aides were given visas.
Legal luminary Olisa Agbakoka observed that the National
Judicial Council, NJC, is controlled by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, who
appoints 50 of its 60 members.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the conditions of
service of the judiciary are terrible, a situation that could make officials
vulnerable.
“We should not put our judges in a position where they can
be tempted,” Agbakoba warned in his remarks.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Abdul Oroh,
while sharing his experience when he served on the Judiciary Committee, said
some SANs are responsible for corrupting judges.
Duke’s information brings to mind the Supreme Court’s
declaration of Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as winner
of the 2019 governorship election in Imo after finishing as third-runner up.
The judgement, which removed Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP, as Governor was delivered on January 14 2020 by Justice
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The panel included Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Justice
Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Justice Amiru Sanusi,
Justice Amina Adamu Augie and Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji.
The ruling created tension among supporters of Uzodinma and
Ihedioha. The ousted governor, at some point, stayed away from the State,
citing disturbing security reports.
Three weeks ago, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken
announced visa restrictions on some unnamed citizens, reiterating U.S.
commitment to advancing democracy.
“Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific
individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent
Nigerian election,” Blinken said.
Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act, the individuals and certain family members will be found ineligible for
visas to America.
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American visa is not a gateway to heaven.
ReplyDeleteAmerica should take more serious measures to deal with these corrupt individuals that are undermining the democratic peace and stability of the nation.
They should be allowed entry into USA, arrested and prosecuted for corrupt practices in Nigeria.