The Imo State Election Petition Tribunal has been accused by the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in Imo state, Uche Nwosu of refusing to release copies of its judgement 10 days after the verdict, thereby frustrating his effort to appeal the judgement.
We reported that the victory of Governor Emeka Ihedioha, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was upheld by the Panel Chairman Justice Umar Dogondaji after dismissing the petitions filed by Action Alliance (AA), All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
While addressing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Nwosu disclosed that the panel’s refusal to release the copy of the judgement was a ploy to frustrate his chances to appeal the judgement.
He said; “efforts to get the judgment were frustrated by officials of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said: “We suspect foul play. It has been 10 days since the judgment was given, but efforts to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) have been unsuccessful. It’s one excuse or the other.
“I believe these people are out to sabotage my efforts. They know I have 14 days to file an appeal and I need the judgment’s CTC. This is why I have called you to tell the world what these people are doing to justice.”
But tribunal secretary Balarabe Garuba said copies of the judgment would be taken to Owerri today, Tuesday.
Garuba said he spoke to the tribunal’s Assistant Secretary, Muazu Lawan, who said he had copies of the judgment and would take them to those who should have them the next day.
He said: “He called me that the judgment was given to him, so he will take the next available flight to Owerri to give prospective appellants. He should be travelling tomorrow (today).”
