“I’ve Not Absconded From Duty Post” – Abia State Chief Judge Says

Abia State Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, on Sunday, described as untrue the allegation that she has absconded from duty to avoid the anticipated inauguration of Uche Ogah as governor.

She said that contrary to insinuations, she was in her office throughout work time on Thursday June 30 2016 from 8:30am till 4:30pm.

Uzokwe in a statement issued on her behalf by the Acting Chief Registrar of Abia State Judiciary, Mrs. Vicky Analaba, in Umuahia, described the claims as “spurious and mischievous allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians.”

She said, “The attention of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, 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.

“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.”

Her alleged disappearance added to the confusion in Abia last week after INEC issued a Certificate of Return to Uche Ogah, thus sacking Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

But Ikpeazu has been digging in.A court in Abia has issued an order restraing the chief judge from swearing in Ogah.
Nigeria’s Attorney General,Abubakar Malami said in a statement Sunday that the affected camps should await the decision of the courts.