Connect with us

society

Group mocks judiciary over miscarriage of justice ..calls on CJN to set review panel

Published

2 years ago

on

Group mocks judiciary over miscarriage of justice ..calls on CJN to set review panel By Ifeoma Ikem Civil Society Group, Imo Liberation Movement (ILM), has described as a travesty of justice the nullification of election of Honourable Jonas Okeke of the Ehime-Mbano/Ihitte-Uboma/Obowo federal constituency (Okigwe South) of Imo State, in favor of Honourable Chike Okafor of the All Progressive Congress (APC). The justices of the Appeal Court in their judgment, asserted that the appellant in the suit Honourable Okeke was not qualified to contest the said election based on the primary election of the party held outside the constituency which was clearly a pre-election matter. The nullification of the people's mandate to Okeke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) according to ILM was a misnomer committed by Justices Abraham Georgewill, B. Aliyu and F. Ojo of the Appeal Court sitting in Lagos State. The Imo based crusaders, the constituents and Nigerians home and abroad have condemned the judiciary for failure to ensure that justice and fairness prevailed in the Nigerian political space. A statement issued by Chuks Obiodu, the Okigwe Zonal Coordinator of the group on the panel's judgment, said the learned justices by the said judgement have thwarted the mandate of the people having departing from existing precedents established by superior court of record (the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal) that had clearly started that sponsorship and nomination of a candidate by a political party is a pre-election matter, domestic affair of the party which cannot be adjudicated at the Tribunal as it lacks jurisdiction to entertain such. Regretted that Chike Okafor and other contestants to the seat however admitted that PDP sponsored Hon. Jonas Okeke, as such the issue of his sponsorship can no longer be challenged by interlopers, neither could it be determined by the appeal Tribunal. This perversion of justice the group said had totally contradicted the common law principle of "stare decisis”, which states that when a particular point of law is decided by superior courts, all future cases containing the same facts and circumstances must be bound by that decision. The release read, "It's disheartening that Okeke will be singled out for victimisation when the same court, same prayers, issues and facts, upheld the election of Hon Emeka Chinedu of Ahiazu/ Ezinihitte Mbaise federal constituency and Hon Imo Ikenga Ugochinyere of Ideato North/South." These candidates the group argued were also of same PDP, and participated in the same PDP primaries that the APC candidates challenged. So, what really necessitated this miscarriage of justice, they asked. It continued, "There was no other known ground in the matter upon which the judges relied on to murder justice and democracy as there has never been any civil or criminal charge against Hon. Okeke in any known court in the land or overseas. "He won the said election squarely regardless of efforts by the APC government in Imo state to deny him victory. "Worst still, the judges till this day have refused to release Certified True Copy (CTC) of the mockery of judgment delivered on the 4th November, 2023 which Okeke applied for on the 6th of the same month. "Whereas the same court and judges have since 8th November, 2023 signed orders of the judgment which Chike Okafor has used to approach the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obtain Certificate of Return (CoR). It's laughable that the judgement from which it emanates from is not yet ready, the expressed. "By this particular development, one wonders whether the learned Justices think about the effect of their actions on the image of the country. "We make bold to say that the decision by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, to transfer all election petition cases pending before the various divisions of the court to Abuja and Lagos to enable her have a closer and painstaking monitoring of the judges has been defeated. "Fully aware that the Tribunal serves as the final court in this matter, we therefore, call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to direct the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dongban-Mensem to immediately set up a review panel to look into the judgment and circumstances that birthed this grave injustice by those entrusted with the power to deliver justice without fear or favour."

Group mocks judiciary over miscarriage of justice
..calls on CJN to set review panel

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

Civil Society Group, Imo Liberation Movement (ILM), has described as a travesty of justice the nullification of election of Honourable Jonas Okeke of the Ehime-Mbano/Ihitte-Uboma/Obowo federal constituency (Okigwe South) of Imo State, in favor of Honourable Chike Okafor of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

 

 

 

Group mocks judiciary over miscarriage of justice ..calls on CJN to set review panel By Ifeoma Ikem Civil Society Group, Imo Liberation Movement (ILM), has described as a travesty of justice the nullification of election of Honourable Jonas Okeke of the Ehime-Mbano/Ihitte-Uboma/Obowo federal constituency (Okigwe South) of Imo State, in favor of Honourable Chike Okafor of the All Progressive Congress (APC). The justices of the Appeal Court in their judgment, asserted that the appellant in the suit Honourable Okeke was not qualified to contest the said election based on the primary election of the party held outside the constituency which was clearly a pre-election matter. The nullification of the people's mandate to Okeke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) according to ILM was a misnomer committed by Justices Abraham Georgewill, B. Aliyu and F. Ojo of the Appeal Court sitting in Lagos State. The Imo based crusaders, the constituents and Nigerians home and abroad have condemned the judiciary for failure to ensure that justice and fairness prevailed in the Nigerian political space. A statement issued by Chuks Obiodu, the Okigwe Zonal Coordinator of the group on the panel's judgment, said the learned justices by the said judgement have thwarted the mandate of the people having departing from existing precedents established by superior court of record (the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal) that had clearly started that sponsorship and nomination of a candidate by a political party is a pre-election matter, domestic affair of the party which cannot be adjudicated at the Tribunal as it lacks jurisdiction to entertain such. Regretted that Chike Okafor and other contestants to the seat however admitted that PDP sponsored Hon. Jonas Okeke, as such the issue of his sponsorship can no longer be challenged by interlopers, neither could it be determined by the appeal Tribunal. This perversion of justice the group said had totally contradicted the common law principle of "stare decisis”, which states that when a particular point of law is decided by superior courts, all future cases containing the same facts and circumstances must be bound by that decision. The release read, "It's disheartening that Okeke will be singled out for victimisation when the same court, same prayers, issues and facts, upheld the election of Hon Emeka Chinedu of Ahiazu/ Ezinihitte Mbaise federal constituency and Hon Imo Ikenga Ugochinyere of Ideato North/South." These candidates the group argued were also of same PDP, and participated in the same PDP primaries that the APC candidates challenged. So, what really necessitated this miscarriage of justice, they asked. It continued, "There was no other known ground in the matter upon which the judges relied on to murder justice and democracy as there has never been any civil or criminal charge against Hon. Okeke in any known court in the land or overseas. "He won the said election squarely regardless of efforts by the APC government in Imo state to deny him victory. "Worst still, the judges till this day have refused to release Certified True Copy (CTC) of the mockery of judgment delivered on the 4th November, 2023 which Okeke applied for on the 6th of the same month. "Whereas the same court and judges have since 8th November, 2023 signed orders of the judgment which Chike Okafor has used to approach the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obtain Certificate of Return (CoR). It's laughable that the judgement from which it emanates from is not yet ready, the expressed. "By this particular development, one wonders whether the learned Justices think about the effect of their actions on the image of the country. "We make bold to say that the decision by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, to transfer all election petition cases pending before the various divisions of the court to Abuja and Lagos to enable her have a closer and painstaking monitoring of the judges has been defeated. "Fully aware that the Tribunal serves as the final court in this matter, we therefore, call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to direct the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dongban-Mensem to immediately set up a review panel to look into the judgment and circumstances that birthed this grave injustice by those entrusted with the power to deliver justice without fear or favour."

 

 

 

The justices of the Appeal Court in their judgment, asserted that the appellant in the suit Honourable Okeke was not qualified to contest the said election based on the primary election of the party held outside the constituency which was clearly a pre-election matter.

The nullification of the people’s mandate to Okeke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) according to ILM was a misnomer committed by Justices Abraham Georgewill, B. Aliyu and F. Ojo of the Appeal Court sitting in Lagos State.

The Imo based crusaders, the constituents and Nigerians home and abroad have condemned the judiciary for failure to ensure that justice and fairness prevailed in the Nigerian political space.

A statement issued by Chuks Obiodu, the Okigwe Zonal Coordinator of the group on the panel’s judgment, said the learned justices by the said judgement have thwarted the mandate of the people having departing from existing precedents established by superior court of record (the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal) that had clearly started that sponsorship and nomination of a candidate by a political party is a pre-election matter, domestic affair of the party which cannot be adjudicated at the Tribunal as it lacks jurisdiction to entertain such.

Regretted that Chike Okafor and other contestants to the seat however admitted that PDP sponsored Hon. Jonas Okeke, as such the issue of his sponsorship can no longer be challenged by interlopers, neither could it be determined by the appeal Tribunal.

This perversion of justice the group said had totally contradicted the common law principle of “stare decisis”, which states that when a particular point of law is decided by superior courts, all future cases containing the same facts and circumstances must be bound by that decision.

The release read, “It’s disheartening that Okeke will be singled out for victimisation when the same court, same prayers, issues and facts, upheld the election of Hon Emeka Chinedu of Ahiazu/ Ezinihitte Mbaise federal constituency and Hon Imo Ikenga Ugochinyere of Ideato North/South.”

These candidates the group argued were also of same PDP, and participated in the same PDP primaries that the APC candidates challenged. So, what really necessitated this miscarriage of justice, they asked.

It continued, “There was no other known ground in the matter upon which the judges relied on to murder justice and democracy as there has never been any civil or criminal charge against Hon. Okeke in any known court in the land or overseas.

“He won the said election squarely regardless of efforts by the APC government in Imo state to deny him victory.

“Worst still, the judges till this day have refused to release Certified True Copy (CTC) of the mockery of judgment delivered on the 4th November, 2023 which Okeke applied for on the 6th of the same month.

“Whereas the same court and judges have since 8th November, 2023 signed orders of the judgment which Chike Okafor has used to approach the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obtain Certificate of Return (CoR). It’s laughable that the judgement from which it emanates from is not yet ready, the expressed.

“By this particular development, one wonders whether the learned Justices think about the effect of their actions on the image of the country.

“We make bold to say that the decision by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, to transfer all election petition cases pending before the various divisions of the court to Abuja and Lagos to enable her have a closer and painstaking monitoring of the judges has been defeated.

“Fully aware that the Tribunal serves as the final court in this matter, we therefore, call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to direct the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dongban-Mensem to immediately set up a review panel to look into the judgment and circumstances that birthed this grave injustice by those entrusted with the power to deliver justice without fear or favour.”

Related Topics:

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

Continue Reading
Advertisement

society

HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT

Published

4 hours ago

on

February 21, 2026

By

HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT

 

The Association of Models (AOMNGO) proudly announces the successful completion of the first edition of Hope Beyond the Walls 2026, a humanitarian initiative dedicated to restoring hope and freedom to deserving inmates.
Despite enormous challenges, financial pressure, emotional strain, and operational stress, the organization remained committed to its mission. Through perseverance, faith, and collective support, one inmate has successfully regained freedom a powerful reminder that hope is stronger than circumstance.
This milestone did not come easily.
Behind the scenes were weeks of coordination, advocacy, fundraising, documentation, and intense engagement. There were moments of uncertainty, but the determination to give someone a second chance kept the vision alive.
Today, the Association of Models gives heartfelt appreciation to all partners and sponsors, both locally and internationally, who stood with us mentally, financially, morally, and physically.

Special Recognition and Appreciation To:

Correctional Service Zonal Headquarters Zone A Ikoyi

Esan Dele

Ololade Bakare

Ify
Kweme
Taiwo & Kehinde Solagbade
Segun
Mr David Olayiwola
Mr David Alabi
PPF Zion International
OlasGlam International
Razor
Mr Obinna
Mr Dele Bakare (VOB International)
Tawio Bakare
Kehinde Bakare
Hannah Bakare
Mrs Doyin Adeyemi
Shade Daniel
Mr Seyi United States
Toxan Global Enterprises Prison
Adeleke Otejo
Favour
Yetty Mama
Loko Tobi Jeannette
MOSES OLUWATOSIN OKIKIADE
Moses Okikiade
(Provenience Enterprise)

We also acknowledge the numerous businesses and private supporters whose names may not be individually mentioned but whose contributions were instrumental in achieving this success.

Your generosity made freedom possible.

A CALL TO ACTION
Hope Beyond the Walls is not a one-time event. It is a movement.
There are still many deserving inmates waiting for a second chance individuals who simply need financial assistance, legal support, and advocacy to reunite with their families and rebuild their lives.

The Association of Models is therefore calling on:
Corporate organizations
Local and international sponsors
Philanthropists
Faith-based organizations
Community leaders
Individuals with a heart for impact
to partner with us.

Our vision is clear:
To secure the release of inmates regularly monthly, quarterly, or during special intervention periods through structured support and transparent collaboration.

HOW TO SUPPORT
Interested partners and supporters can reach out via
Social Media: Official Handles Hope In Motion
Donations and sponsorship inquiries are welcome.

Together, we can turn difficult stories into testimonies of restoration.

ABOUT AOMNGO
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) is a humanitarian driven organization committed to advocacy, empowerment, and social impact. Through projects like Hope Beyond the Walls, the organization works tirelessly to restore dignity and create opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance.

“When we come together, walls fall and hope rises.”
For media interviews, partnerships, and sponsorship discussions, please contact the Association of Models directly.

Continue Reading

society

SENATOR ADEOLA YAYI REGISTERS 4000 JAMB CANDIDATES 

Published

9 hours ago

on

February 21, 2026

By

SENATOR ADEOLA YAYI REGISTERS 4000 JAMB CANDIDATES 

 

In continuation of his educational support initiatives and following established tradition, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC,Ogun West) has successfully paid for and enrolled 4000 indigent students for the 2026 Joint Admission Matriculation Board(JAMB) examination.

 

According to a release e-signed and made available to members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) by High Chief Kayode Odunaro, Media Adviser to Senator Adeola and shared with (your mediu), the programme financed by the senator under the “SEN YAYI FREE JAMB 2026” ended on Saturday , February 21, 2026, with a total of 4000 candidates successfully enrolled with their PINs provided.

 

Commenting on the success of the programme, Senator Adeola said the programme is another leg of his personal educational empowerment for indigent but brilliant citizens preparatory to his scholarship and bursary facilitation for tertiary education institutions’ students.

 

“As far as I can help it, none of our children will miss educational opportunities arising out of adverse economic predicament of their parents or guardians”, he stated.

 

Successful candidates cut across all the three senatorial districts of Ogun State with 2183 coming from Ogun West, 1358 coming from Ogun Central and 418 from Ogun East.

 

Some of the candidates that applied and are yet to get their PINs due wrong information supplied in their profiles and being underage as discovered by JAMB and other reasons are being further assisted to see the possibility of getting their PINs.

 

The Free JAMB programme of the Senator that has been running for years is well received by appreciative beneficiaries and their parents.

 

Alhaji Suara Adeyemi from Ipokia Local Government whose daughter successfully got her PIN in the programme said the Senator’s gesture was a welcome financial relief for his family at this period after payment of numerous school fees of other siblings of the beneficiary seeking admission to higher institution.

 

Also posting on the social media handle of the Senator, a beneficiary Mr. Henry Olaitan, from Odeda LGA said that he would have missed doing the entry examination as his guardian cannot afford the fees for himself and two of his children.

Continue Reading

society

House Committee Seeks Stronger Financial Backing for Federal Character Commission

Published

9 hours ago

on

February 21, 2026

By

House Committee Seeks Stronger Financial Backing for Federal Character Commission

 

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has reassured the commitment of her new leadership to reposition the Commission and strengthen enforcement of the federal character principle, despite prevailing funding challenges.

Hon. Omidiran made this known during the Commission’s budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character at the National Assembly on Friday, February 19, 2026.

The Executive Chairman opened up on inadequate funding has continued to constrain the Commission’s statutory activities, including nationwide monitoring, compliance audits and enforcement measures across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“We are focused and determined to do the work that the Constitution and the President have entrusted us with,” Omidiran stated.

The FCC Boss, however, assured lawmakers that the Commission remains resolute in ensuring equity, fairness and balanced representation in line with its constitutional mandate.

“As a Commission, it is our responsibility to engage with relevant government parastatals and ministries to secure the necessary funding we require. We believe that with consultation and collaboration, it will be a successful venture for the Commission.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, RT. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, expressed deep concern over what he described as near-zero budgetary allocation to the Commission, stressing that such financial inadequacies severely undermine its operational effectiveness.

The Plateau State lawmaker assured the Commission of the Committee’s firm legislative backing in advocating for improved funding and strengthening the Commission’s capacity to fully exercise its constitutional mandate.

“We cannot reasonably expect the Federal Character Commission to enforce compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies while grappling with insufficient funding,” Hon. Wase remarked.

“If we are genuinely committed to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, then we must be deliberate in adequately funding the institution established to safeguard these principles.

“As a Committee, we shall work closely with the leadership of the Commission to ensure that its budgetary provisions reflect the magnitude of its mandate. The era of skeletal or token funding must give way to realistic and sustainable financial support,” he concluded.

The budget defence session concluded on a note of renewed collaboration between the House of Representatives and the Commission, reflecting a shared determination to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance accountability, and promote equitable representation within Nigeria’s public service.

House Committee Seeks Stronger Financial Backing for Federal Character Commission

SIGNED:

Ademola Lawrence
Spokesperson,
Federal Character Commission
February 20, 2026

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

RSS Africa-Newsroom

RSS Unknown Feed

Trending