A non-governmental organisation (NGO) National Council for Democratic Development (NCDD) has hailed the order of a Lagos High Court for the release from jail of former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Kalu.
The Executive Director of NCDD, Mr Onu Nwaeze, in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu, described the court decision as a ‘reinforcement’ of the independence of the judiciary.
Nwaeze also said that the court pronouncement was an indication that the Federal Government’s anti corruption crusade was anchored on the rule of law.
He said that the release of the senator representing Abia North District in the National Assembly had signaled a new dawn in the politics of the South East region.
He said the development was a clear testament that the current administration’s crusade against corruption was equally anchored on respect for institutions.
“We hereby join millions of Nigerians to celebrate a new dawn of hope and victory that the judgement has brought to our country.
“We appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment in the fight against corruption. It is now evident that the crusade is anchored on the rule of law and respect for institutions,” he said.
The executive director noted that the NCDD had carefully followed the entire judicial journey in the voided trial of the senator.
He said that only an atmosphere that guaranteed rule of law and respect for institutions could guarantee the rights of all to seek and get judicial remedy where necessary.
He described Kalu as a detribalised Nigerian and a leader who had built bridges of hope for the various peoples of Nigeria.
Justice Mohammed Liman of a Lagos High Court had on Tuesday ordered that Kalu who was serving 12 years jail term be released from jail.
The latest court pronouncement followed an application filed by Kalu’s lawyer seeking that his December 2019 conviction be set aside.
It will be recalled that the Supreme Court had earlier quashed the conviction of Kalu and others on the grounds that the trial judge came from his new position as Court of Appeal justice to give the judgement.
Justice Mohammed Liman before who the applicant’s motion was pending, granted the prayer of applicant, and ordered the release of Kalu, from prison.
Kalu was sentenced to 12 years for N7.2billion fraud belonging to Abia State.
The verdict was handed down by Justice Mohammed Idris on December 5, 2019, while his co- defendant, Jonnes Udeogo had bagged a 10 years jail term.
Justice Idris, who delivered the verdict, had been ceased of the case from the time of Kalu’s arraignment, but he was subsequently, elevated to the court of appeal.
However, following a fiat authorising him to continue with the case, Idris conducted and concluded the trial of Kalu and his co-accused.
He, had consequently, delivered his verdict on Dec. 5, 2019 handing down a jail term of 12 years and 10 years, on Kalu and Udeogo respectively.
Following an appeal by Udeogo, the Supreme Court had on May 8, held that the fiat issued to Justice Idris to conclude the trial of the defendants after he had been elevated to the Court of Appeal was “a nullity”.
The apex Court had set aside Idris’ verdict “as it relates to the appellant (Udeogu)”, and had ordered Udeogu’s freedom and the re-trial of his case
In reaction to the decision of the apex court, Kalu consequently, hired a 12 man team of lawyers, including six Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, to prosecute his freedom bid.
In his motion, Kalu contended that no legal basis existed for his continued incarceration following the Supreme Court’s judgment which declared his trial a nullity and freed Udeogu
He had filed the motion on May 12 asking the court to nullify his conviction, while the court reserved the case for June 2 (today)
In his ruling, on Tuesday, Justice Liman held that the motion was meritorious and that he was bound by the judgment of the Supreme Court.
He, consequently, ordered the immediate release of Kalu from the Kuje Correctional Centre where he is currently being detained.