'Okorocha Has Disobeyed 1230 Court Judgments Against His Government'

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Imo State Branch has frowned at the
level of lawlessness and arbitrary disregard of judicial
pronouncements against the Imo State Government since the inception of
Governor Rochas Okorocha led administration.

According to Barr. Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN, who said this during at an
interactive session held in Owerri between the Owerri Zone Chapter of
the Association and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and
Imo State Peoples Democratic Party Governorship Candidate, Chief Emeka
Ihedioha, the situation portends grave danger to democracy.

The Lawyers expressed worry over the trend which according to them,
'breeds anarchy and could lead to breakdown of law and order if not
urgently addressed'.

'We have an emergency situation in our judicial system in Imo State.
No society makes a considerable progress in a situation where the
Chief Executive flaunts with impunity, over 1,230 Court Judgements
against his administration. The implication of this is that the
grievances of the citizens affected by these pronouncements are yet to
be addressed and as a result they are groaning in the hardship caused
by these delays.

'This is outrageous and therefore requires urgent steps to address the
looming crises being built up as a result of flagrant abuse of
judicial pronouncements, lack of respect for rule of law and
separation of powers.

In his speech, the Governorship hopeful assured that his programmes
and policies for the State especially the judiciary will address the
time bomb in the system. He promised to immediately constitute a
committee that will work to articulate how to take care of the over
1230 court judgments against the present government which he said his
government will inherit as well as finding a way to settle the debts
of the present administration without mortgaging the development of
the state.

Chief Ihedioha regretted that despite all the huge funds accruing to
the State, there is yet no justifiable development and standard of
living of Imo citizens while the State is still indebted to the tone
of N266billion.

He promised to run an inclusive government that will accommodate the
views and positions of the NBA and other relevant bodies towards
ensuring that Imo State is brought back to life as a prime and working
state. He assured the people that his government will respect the rule
of law and promote peaceful coexistence of all Imo citizens and
residents.
--247ureports