Edozie Udeojo,Abuja
Nigeria’s apex court has continued to receive commendations over its Friday’s verdict that quashed the judgement that convicted and sentenced the Chief Whip of the Senate , Senator Orji Uzor.
Latest among the commendations is from Eminent business tycoon and Philanthropist Chief Amobi Ogah. The Abia born politician described the judgement as historical which would further strengthen the nation’s judicial system.
“Yesterday’s supreme judgement corrected a grave error that was initially committed by Court of Appeal and it has restored the confidence of Nigerians in our country’s judiciary” said Amobi.
The APC stalwart likened Dr. Kalu’s five months imprisonment to the political travails passed through by the late Nelson Mandela. He said that Kalu’s experience in prison is a preparation for a greater national assignment.
In a statement he personally signed and issued to the press, Ameobi said Orji Kalu is a great leader whom he has worked closely with for years. He further described Senetor Kalu as his personal friend who he holds closely to his heart.
The statement reads “The judgement of the Supreme Court has further rekindled the hope and trust of all Nigerians in its judiciary. I commend all the presiding judges who gave the landmark ruling. This will further strengthen our nation’s court apparatuses.
Nigerians who believe in justice and fairness have continued to express their joy and satisfaction over the ruling. Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu is the light of the Igbo nation and of course a leadership ICON in our great nation. He is the leader of the All Progressives Congress in the entire South East Nigeria, I am glad that the injustice matted on him has been corrected.
Senator Orji Kalu’s travails is a political metamorphosis that will prepare him adequately for a greater further national assignment. Kalu’s has been equipped with life lessons which came at no better time than now.
Senator Kalu represents the face of Nigeria’s unity, he’s release will further make him continue he’s delivery of quality representation to his people and all Nigerians.”
Amobi also commended the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth council and the Arewa Youth Consultative forum for their patriotic role which was nobly displayed which severed as catalyst for the release of the Senate Chief Whip from incarceration.
Recall that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had on December 5, 2019 sentenced Kalu to 12 years’ imprisonment for N7.2 billion fraud and money laundering. The court convicted Kalu on all the 39 counts preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charge. Kalu was charged alongside the former director finance in the state, Jones Udeogo, and his company, Slok Nig. Ltd.
While Kalu and his company were found guilty of all the 39 counts, Udeogo was convicted on 34 counts and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. The court ordered that Slok Nigeria Limited be wound up and its assets forfeited to the federal government.
However, the apex court, in a unanimous decision by a seven-man panel of Justices led by Justice Amina Augie, held that the Federal High Court in Lagos acted without jurisdiction when it convicted Kalu, his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited and former director of finance in Abia State, Jones Udeogu.
The apex court held that trial Justice Mohammed Liman was no longer a judge of the Federal High Court as at the time he sat and delivered the judgement that convicted the defendants. According to the Supreme Court, Justice Liman, having been elevated to the Court of Appeal before then, lacked the powers to return to sit as a High Court Judge.
It held that the Fiat that was issued to him by the Court of Appeal former President pursuant to section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act was ultra vires and inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.