By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna
The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) has strongly criticized Chief Chekwas Okorie’s claims of contempt of court orders against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Suleiman Abbah, the NEN emphasized its commitment to the rule of law and accused Okorie of presenting a twisted narrative to justify his attack on the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.
“The NEN felt compelled to respond to Okorie’s disgraceful letter, which was published by an obscure news portal, emphasizing that the leadership of INEC has consistently demonstrated adherence to legal directives as an institution committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all legal processes are followed diligently,” it said.
Furthermore, Abbah stated that it is Chief Chekwas Okorie himself, and not INEC, who should be held in contempt for his outrageous attempt to manipulate, rewrite, and distort ongoing legal processes.
“The NEN believes that Okorie’s actions are not only morally bankrupt but also reprehensible. His claims lack any basis in reality and serve only to expose his own ignorance of the facts surrounding the case.
“The allegations presented by Chief Chekwas Okorie against the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, are baseless, unfounded, lacking in merit and reflecting his ignorance of the facts surrounding the case.
“It is essential to rely on accurate information and a proper understanding of legal proceedings before making any accusations. The INEC remains a crucial institution in Nigeria’s democratic process, and its integrity should be respected and upheld,” he said.
“By falsely accusing the INEC Chairman of failing to recognize his stooge, Chief Edozie Njoku as the APGA National Chairman, Okorie attempted to shamelessly review, rewrite, and falsify legal processes that are still pending before a competent court of law,” the statement added.
The NEN clarified that the matter between Okorie and the INEC Chairman is currently before the Court of Appeal (CA/ABJ/CV/724/2023), rendering it sub judice. This means that no one can be held in contempt of an order of a lower court while the case is still being deliberated upon by a higher court.
The NEN urged Okorie to exercise caution and diligence before making malicious allegations. It emphasized the need for a proper understanding of legal proceedings.
“The recent Court of Appeal decision granting Stay of Proceedings/Injunction Pending Appeal and the ruling of Madugu J. of the FCT High Court dropping Okorie’s pen are the most recent decisions on the contempt subject matter.
“The Northern Emancipation Network stands firmly with the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and commends the commission for its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“The NEN urges Chief Chekwas Okorie to retract his baseless allegations and apologize for disseminating false information that only serves to mislead the public,” he said.
The NEN therefore, called on Chekwas Okorie, a red cap Igbo Chief, to demonstrate respect for his position while pursuing legal matters through established protocols instead of resorting to insane media outbursts.
“While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it is equally important for public figures like Chief Okorie to uphold the decorum of their position and utilize appropriate channels for legal discourse.
“NEN firmly believes that the rule of law and due process are integral to achieving this goal. As such, we urge Chief Okorie to embrace legal avenues provided by the Nigerian judicial system if he really feels he has a case to prove.
“The Nigerian judicial system is designed to provide by ensuring fairness, impartiality, and a resolution in accordance with the law,” Abbah said.
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