Date Published: 12/23/09

IBORI: Guilty or Not Guilty? By Sheyi Olusheyi

The Judge of the Asaba High Court, Justice Marcel Awokulehin said there was no clear evidence against James Ibori, Delta State governor from 1999 to 2007. Okay, do we believe that or is it another conspiracy theory? Are we ever going to have justice carried out appropriately in Nigeria , Guilty or not Guilty who can put this right, Judiciaries? 

It is not surprising that Justice Awokulehin delivered such judgment even when the case had not been tried; this has gone to confirm that there’s a greater conspiracy being exercised between the judge and the accused.

This kind of judgement, if not challenged is capable of deepening the menace of corruption in our country rather than contributing in any way to the cause of justice which is the basis of sustaining our democratic governance.

From the foregoing, I think there is the need for the judiciary to rise up to the challenge to support the EFCC and other anti-crime agencies to bring about a better Nigeria for our new generations. A judge ruling without a trial and making it seems like its been tried explains why the leadership of the Commission should leave no stone unturned to ensure that the case is taken to a logical conclusion given the enormity of evidence available to the prosecution.

When I read the EFCC’s release "We have instructed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal against Justice Awokulehin's judgment at a higher court. This kind of judgment if not challenged is capable of deepening the menace of corruption in our country rather than contributing in any way to the cause of justice, which is the basis of sustaining our democratic governance." It was really a relief to me.

Now that the EFCC is appealing, I hope the justice will be fair and just in the next ruling if not these will be a bad message from the judiciary and the entire country as a whole. Also if we are not careful the entire nation will be thrown into jeopardy and be overshadowed by corruption. We, therefore, appeal to judiciary to do something urgently as far as corruption cases before various courts are considered.

So far, we appreciate the work of the commission and their efforts at fighting corruption. We can only pray for them and encourage them and hope this will not dampened their spirit.

Sheyi Olusheyi

Lagos