ABUJA, Nigeria – Three notable figures, Sir Celestine Omehia, Prince Uche Secondus, and Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, have petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, challenging Justice Inyang Ekwo for his refusal to release crucial court documents needed for their appeals.
Sir Celestine Omehia, a former governor of Rivers State, detailed in his petition that despite his legal team’s efforts to appeal an injunctive order preventing him from attending a key Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) meeting, Justice Ekwo has not released the necessary records.
The injunction and subsequent legal challenges revolve around the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/436/2024, involving Omehia and five others.
Similarly, Prince Uche Secondus, a former PDP chairman, has faced obstacles following an ex parte order of injunction against him. His legal counsel has been unable to obtain the documents required to proceed with an appeal.
The case, referenced as FHC/A0J/CS/440/2024, also highlights significant administrative hurdles imposed by the judicial process under Justice Ekwo’s supervision.
Rt. Hon. Austin A. Opara, also affected by an injunctive order in the suit FHC/ABJ/CS/438/2024, expressed his frustration over the denial of access to the court records.
As a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Opara emphasised that his constitutional rights, including the right to appeal and to participate in statutory PDP meetings, have been infringed upon.
These petitions underline a broader concern regarding the transparency and efficiency of judicial proceedings under Justice Ekwo’s purview.
The refusal to release court documents not only hinders the appellate process but also raises questions about the administration of justice.
As the petitions gain attention, legal analysts and public commentators are closely watching the Chief Judge’s response, which will likely influence public trust in the judiciary’s capacity to uphold law and order impartially.
Meanwhile, the affected parties await decisive action that will allow them to exercise their legal rights without further delay.
