President Yar'Adua Says 'Rule of Law Will Prevail in Anambra

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President Yar'Adua Says 'Rule of Law Will Prevail in Anambra'

Nigeria First
15 June 2007

President Umar Musa Yar'adua has acknowledged the June 14 Supreme Court declarations that Mr. Peter Obi remain the substantive Governor of Anambra State, as well as its order that Dr. Andy Uba should vacate the office immediately.

In line with the judgement, President Yar'adua has directed the Solicitor-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to facilitate the implementation of the judgment as soon as they are served a copy.

The President's directive affirms the determination of the Yar'adua administration to uphold the rule of law to reposition Nigeria for peace and prosperity.

Copyright © 2007 Nigeria First

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Olanipekun, Falana, Others React

Vanguard
Abdulwahab Abdulah
&Dare Akogun
15 June 2007

Prominent Lawyers reacted to the Supreme Court judgement yesterday, describing it as a land mark judgement but would create so many constitutional changes in Nigeria. Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) said, " My reaction is that the Supreme Court judgement is excellent. What the Supreme Court was saying is that there was no governorship election in Anambra State and that Obi is the substantive governor of the state.

"The judgement of the Supreme Court is going to change many things, both in Anambra and other states of the federation. For now the state will not conduct governorship election same time with other states of the federation. Also it shows that a petitioner who win his case at the election petition tribunal would start counting his tenure of office from the day he is sworn-in. It is good indeed for us as people, good for us as a country and also good for the system.

"I salute the courage of the Supreme Court, they are doing well. The interpretation of the constitution by the apex court is that there is no provision for three years tenure as governor of Anambra as done by Dr Ngige and no one year tenure too in the state as done by Dr Peter Obi, except the four year spelt out by the constitution.

"The judgement has also promote another fact that a petitioner before election tribunal if eventually succeeds would start his four years tenure only from when he is sworn in and when he assumes office, no matter when he takes the oath of office. This will definitely shape our democracy and good governance."

Femi Falana, President, West African Bar Association said " this has always be my position and that of the 1999 Constitution that who ever wins election into an office, this time governorship, his tenure starts when he is sworn in and end at the expiration of four years.

"The judgement of the Supreme Court has buttressed the fact that the provision of the constitution is the supreme law. The judgement will be a serious warning to election riggers and also strengthen the nation's democracy. It would be a challenge further to those that intends to perpetuate political and election fraud in the country. Besides, it also shows the clear cut powers of the court as an arbiter.

Definitely, the judgement will also change so many things in our polity and the democratic settings in the country."

Chairman, NBA, Ikeja branch, Niyi Idowu, raised question on whether Dr Peter Obi would resume as the governor of Anambra State again. He said " is it that Obi would resume as governor of Anambra State after the swearing-in of Uba as governor of Anambra State?

To me, the constitution stipulates a four year term which start from the day Ngige took over power as governor and that four years ends on May 29, 2007.

However, the judgement of the Supreme court is a land mark and it was laudable."

Copyright © 2007 Vanguard

admin · Obi - Bishop Adebiyi Lauds Judiciary

Obi - Bishop Adebiyi Lauds Judiciary

This Day
Idowu Sowunmi
26 June 2007

Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Anglican Communion, Dr Peter Awelewa Adebiyi, has commended the judiciary for the land mark judgment of the Supreme Court, restoring the mandate of Mr Peter Obi as Anambra State governor.

He described the judgment as "victory for democracy," and "a defeat of few cabals masquerading as our political leaders, whose stock in trade is mere election of their cronies instead of a democratically conducted election that should strengthen our democracy."

Adebiyi, in a statement weekend, said "the judgment should be seen as victory for the masses whose hope in a just and egalitarian Nigerian nation has been eroded with the lack of dedicated and committed political leadership that continues to elude Nigeria."

While expressing his sincere appreciation to men and women of the bench, Adebiyi said they have chosen to be counted on the side of history instead of being counted as one of the few that mortgaged their conscience on the altar of personal aggrandisement.

He called on members of election tribunals across the country "to demonstrate a high sense of integrity and honesty in the discharge of their duties. We are aware that the task could be daunting and tempting, but we believe that the living God we serve, who have called you at this trying period of our political learning, will see you through."

He said the Church would continue to pray for peace in the country, adding that "feelers from many states across the nation, especially from the South-west states have not been encouraging on politicians' activities. We strongly appeal that governance should not be a do-or-die affair. Politicians should note that: If you are not wanted by the people, you should seek other ways of serving them in other capacities."

Copyright © 2007 This Day

admin · Why Andy Uba Had to Go, By Supreme Court

Why Andy Uba Had to Go, By Supreme Court
http://allafrica.com/stories/200707160640.html