Enugu: Concerns As HURIWA Petitions NJC Over Ruling of State Guber Election Petition Tribunal
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), over the alleged miscarriage of justice in the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The group in the petition signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko frowned at the conduct of the tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Kudirat Morayo Akano, and her panel members during the adjudication of Petition No: EPT/EN/GOV/01/2023.
The petition, addressed to the Chairman of the NJC, highlighted critical issues related to the tribunal’s handling of the election dispute filed by Chijioke Edoga and the Labour Party, challenging the outcomes of the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in Enugu State.
The key point of contention in the dispute revolves around the authenticity of Governor Ndubuisi Peter Mbah’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
“The Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal was tasked with adjudicating Petition No: EPT/EN/GOV/01/2023. This petition was filed by Chijioke Edoga and the Labour Party, contesting the outcomes of the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in Enugu State, involving the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Ndubuisi Peter Mbah, and the Peoples Democratic Party.”
The group said at the heart of the electoral dispute lies a fundamental issue: the authenticity of Mbah’s NYSC discharge certificate.
HURIWA argued that, the NYSC, “a government institution, played a pivotal role in these proceedings by testifying that they did not issue the certificate presented by Governor Mbah. This revelation raised legal questions and concerns about the sanctity of a national institution and the principles of electoral integrity.”
HURIWA contended that the tribunal’s dismissal of compelling evidence and testimony from NYSC officials regarding the questionable nature of Mbah’s certificate is a cause for alarm. The organization argued that this decision raises questions about the tribunal’s commitment to truth and justice.
Another point of concern raised in the petition was Justice Kudirat Akano’s appointment as the Chairman of the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, “despite her involvement in a previous case in Osun State.