National Association for Public Policy Analysis, a non- governmental organization, has urged the Supreme Court to dispose of pending applications in respect of Imo State gubernatorial election before the November 11 2023 election in the state.
It will be recalled that there were two Imo State gubernatorial election cases filed in December 20 2019 in (SC/1384 2019) and January 14 2020 with case number (SC/462/2019) before the apex court.
One of the judgments this medium reports declared the APC Hope Uzodinma winner of the 2019 governorship election.
Addressing a Press Conference, the President of the Association, Comrade Princewill Okotie, expressed dissatisfaction that the application of motion on notice filed by Umeadi and others for the interpretation of the judgment is still pending in court without being heard.
They also cited another case seeking enforcement and interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling on Ugwumba Uche Nwosu of the Action Peoples’ Party and three others that are still pending.
Consequent upon new developments, the association has therefore appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to see that the motion/case is heard and ruling giving expeditiously before the 2023 governorship election slated for November 11, 2023.
Okotie said: “Considering the pitiable state of political instability plaguing Imo State since 2020, our association on the 10th October 2023, wrote a letter to the CJN Ariwoola and appealed to him to see that the motion/case before him is expeditiously heard before the November 11 election.
“While it is most gratifying that the CJN granted our plea by fixing 31st October for hearing of the application and motion, information reaching us stipulates that the hearing notice date has been shifted to December 2023.
“We hereby call on the CJN to jettison any pressure from any quarters that will truncate the hearing of this matter on 31st October to allow for quick hearing before the November 11 governorship election in Imo state.
“Putting the 2019 governorship election judicial struggle to rest before the next election will not only restore the confidence of the Imo people in the judiciary but also promote justice and fair play.”
