The chief judge of Abia state Theresa Uzokwe has come out to debunk rumors that she had gone into hiding so as not to swear in Uche Ogah as governor of Abia State.
There’s currently a lot of tension in the state due to the uncertainty over the governor’s seat with both Okezie Ikpeazu and Uche Ogah in a fierce battle for supremacy. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had revoked the certificate of return from Ikpeazu and given it to Uche Ogah who was the runner-up in the PDP primary elections.
Uzokwe had been accused of not wanting to swear in Ogah and therefore making herself purposely absent. Uzokwe has slammed these allegations, however she did not explain why she was unavailable to swear in Ogah.
She released a statement which said, “The attention of the chief judge of Abia state, Justice has been drawn to various spurious and mischievous reports alleging that the Honorable Chief Judge had absconded from her duty post on Thursday 30th June 2016, to avoid swearing in Uche Ogah as Governor of Abia State,” Uzokwe said in a statement issued on her behalf by Vicky Analaba, acting chief registrar of Abia.
“Contrary to the allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians, the chief judge, was in her office throughout work time on Thursday 30 June 2016 from 8:30am till 4:30pm.
“For the avoidance of doubt, on Thursday 30th June 2016, the chief judge was in her court room performing her lawful duties, including the delivery of four rulings on that date.
“The particulars of the ruling in question are: HU/35CM/2015 FRANCIS AKOR vs THE STATE; HU/ICM/2016-JOHNSON ASIEGBU vs. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, HU/42CM/2016-ONYEKACHI SAMUEL vs. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE; HU/34CM/2016-LUCKY SAMPSON vs. THE STATE.
“These facts are verifiable and in the records of the court. The various lawyers who appeared in the respective suits listed above are also living witnesses.
“This press release has become necessary in order to avoid further mischief and to set the records straight.”