Civil Society Coalition Urges Judiciary to Act Independently

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations has called on the judiciary to uphold its independence and restore public confidence amid a legal dispute involving Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma. The coalition, which includes representatives from the Centre for Public Integrity, Nigeria Integrity Watch, Northern Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Forum, and Foundation for Democracy in Africa, issued a statement in Bauchi State.

They warned against political interference in the judicial process, describing the case as a critical opportunity for the judiciary to address past controversies, particularly the January 2020 Supreme Court ruling that declared Uzodimma the winner of the Imo State governorship election. The coalition questioned conflicting claims regarding Uzodimma’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election, alleging fraudulent processes.

They also referenced comments from former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke about Supreme Court justices being denied U.S. visas, raising further concerns about the credibility of judicial decisions in Imo State.