By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Edozie Njoku, has reaffirmed his strong believe in the rule of law.
He assured that a law abiding citizen, it is not in his character to disobey court orders.
Chief Njoku stated this while reacting to the recent Supreme Court judgment, delivered on November 27, which had declared Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa as the National Chairman of APGA.
Njoku hinted that he accepted the outcome of appeals by the faction backed by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, because the Supreme Court is the final arbiter on any legal issue.
Though, the Imo State born cerebral politician wandered why Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, would go ahead and deliver judgment on a subject matter before the Supreme Court.
However, the former APGA National Chairman Njoku, insisted that as democrat and patriotic Nigerian, “I am committed to the rule of law and the authority of the court”.
Chief Njoku, who narrated how the protracted leadership tussle over who is the authentic National Chairman of APGA began, said he approached the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Bwari to enforce a judgment of the apex court delivered on November 14, 2021, but was corrected on March 24, 2023 by Justice Mary Peter Odili (now rtd) due to a “minor typographical slip” .
He explained that in it’s judgment on Wednesday, a 5-man panel of the Supreme Court, held that the Court’s decision of November 14, 2021, that was corrected on March 24, 2023, was declaratory and not executory, and therefore not enforceable.
Based on the reasoning of the panel, Njoku said he had no problem with the judgement, and expressed his continued support and respect for the judiciary.
“Anyone who knows me understands that I respect the rule of law and established hierarchies.
“In any organization, hierarchy is essential, and in Nigeria, the Supreme Court stands at the top of our judicial hierarchy.
“We must accept that when the Supreme Court speaks, regardless of our personal opinions, compliance is mandatory.
“We ought to be a nation governed by law and order.
“We cannot customize situations to ease our discomfort, whether it be for Chief Edozie Njoku, Chief Henry Okechukwu, or anyone else.
“We must adhere to the system and dictates of the law.
“Ultimately, the Supreme Court has spoken, and I have faith in the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who has repeatedly emphasized the need for integrity within the judiciary.
I will not obstruct progress. I refuse to contribute to the pressure faced by those striving to preserve the judiciary during these critical times,” Chief Njoku declared.
While commending the Supreme Court and its Justices for discharging their adjudicatory functions, Njoku thanked the people of Anambra for their calm acceptance of the court’s verdict.
“I’m pleased the Supreme Court acknowledged that this is an issue of internal party democracy” he said.
Addressing the press in Abuja,
Njoku posited that as true democrats, he and other officials of APGA will continue to submit themselves to promoting national unity and cohesion.
“We will do everything within our means to contribute to the peace of our nation, Nigeria, he said.
Njoku warned that chaos would ensue if citizens began selectively obeying court rulings.
He however assured that the voice of the people cannot be stifled.
“While people may pursue their agendas, they cannot alter grassroots realities. Ultimately, the grassroots will determine their leaders.
“But let me assure you, the voice of the people cannot be silenced.
“In the upcoming elections, the people of Anambra State will make their voices heard, loudly and clearly,” he stated.
Njoku expressed dismay on the move by Governor Soludo to stifle local government administration in Anambra State and thereby undermining the financial autonomy granted to the 3rd tier of government by the Supreme Court judgment.
He therefore called on all democratic minded individuals from the State to come together to ensure that monies accruable to Local Governments get to them.
“Forget about zone, religion, I am not from Anambra, but if all of you should allow an emperor to control funds meant for Local Governments in the State, so be it.
“Anambra will surely have its say,” Njoku stated.
