Abia chief judge breaks silence, says ‘I’m not on the run’

Theresa Uzokwe (pictured left), chief judge of Abia state, has broken her silence on the imbroglio in the state, dismissing reports that she went underground to avoid swearing in Uche Ogah as governor.

Uzokwe said “mischievous politicians” were behind the reports, saying there is evidence to prove that she did not abscond from duty.

There is currently tension in Abia over the court ruling which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke the certificate of return issued to Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of the state, and award it to Ogah, who came second in the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The court also ordered the chief judge to swear in Ogah, but the alleged absence of Uzokwe prevented that from happening.

Ogah had alleged that there is a deliberate plot to frustrate him, insisting that there is power vacuum in the state.

However, Uzokwe did not give any explanation for not carrying out the court order.

She only said she decided to release a statement to “set records straight”.

“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.”