Politics
Alleged Defamation: APC Chieftain Demands Case Transfer From Diri’s Wife
The defamation case against the All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary for Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Mr Ebikpoemi Bobby Ugo, has assumed a new dimension with a request to the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State to reassign the case to another judge.
The state government in suit YHC/76C/2022 had dragged Ugo before the Court on one count charge of criminal defamation with the case assigned to Justice Ineikade Eradiri.
Checks indicated that the case was later reassigned from Justice Eradiri to Justice Ama Zuofa, wife of Governor Douye Diri.
However, Ugo’s lawyer, Mr Fitzgerald Olorogun, in a letter addressed to the Chief Judge dated November 15th while acknowledging that the “reassignment of the charge to Hon Justice Ama Zuofa which was done in pursuant to your powers is, however, with the greatest respect, not in the best interest of justice, both the defendant, the Court and legal practice as any step taken by Ama Zuofa in the matter will be viewed as tainted with apparent bias”
Olorogun, who pointed out the particulars of the case, indicated that the defendant has been accused of defaming Governor Douye Diri, who happens to be the husband of Justice Zuofa.
The letter read in part, “It is common knowledge within Bayelsa State and beyond that My Lord Hon Justice Ama Zuofa is the wife of the Governor of Bayelsa State, who is being alleged to have been defamed by the Defendant. It follows therefore that when and if my Lord Ama Zuofa presides over the trial of the Defendant in this charge, she will be seen by every reasonable man as not only wearing the robes of a Judge but also the toga of a wife of the nominal complainant in this case. This will raise the likelihood of bias in the heart of the reasonable man.
“My Lord, while we do not impugn the integrity or competence of Hon Justice Ama Zuofa, it is our view, belief and submission that assigning the case of a Defendant alleged to have defamed her husband to her for trial, will not only validly raise the questions and likelihood of bias but has the propensity of bringing the administration of criminal Justice and the Bayelsa State Judiciary into disrepute.”
Olorogun prayed, “My Lord exercise the powers conferred upon you and cause the Charge NO YHC/76C/2022 to be reassigned to another judge of the High Court of Bayelsa State other than Ama Zuofa for hearing and determination.”
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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