A civil society group, Nigeria Integrity Movement (NIM) has alleged that Justice Richard Olorunfemi of the Lokoja High Court is under pressure to deliver a “premature judgement” on the suit filed by a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Alhaji Abubakar Idris challenging the outcome of the party’s primary election.
In a press statement signed by the group’s spokesman, Barr. Kayode Esan, NIM said the move is capable of causing unabated war in the state.
The group alleged that the Hogh Court judge is under immense pressure from Governor Yahaya Bello to ensure PDP candidate in the November 16 election, Engr. Musa Wada is not on the ballot.
“Available information at the disposal of Nigeria Integrity Movement (NIM) suggests that the mentioned Judge is under serious pressure from Kogi state government led by Governor Yahaya Bello, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to deliver judgement on a preelection matter ten days before Nov 16 Kogi gubernatorial election, whereas, the law stipulates at least 180 days hearing for the case to be properly investigated before any judgement.
“This move is being scrutinized by Nigeria Integrity Movement as the the group is watching with keen interest to see how this plot plays out. Should the Judge yield to the wish of the powers that be, the outcome will lead to anarchy.
“It is obvious Justice Richard Olorufemi is under serious pressure from the powers that be, and that his Lordship may be forced to make pronouncement that is capable of setting Kogi state on fire.
“It is even more worrisome that the judge descended into the arena by shouting in open court that he must deliver his judgment before 16th November. His action is biased and an attempt to rush the defendants to close their case.
“His lordship must be closely monitored by the men of Department of State Security Services, the only service that has its reputation intact, to save Kogi state from this imminent crisis.
“NIM wonders why his lordship is in a haste to deliver judgment over a case that is still at the cross examination stage which demands more hearings,” the statement read.
