₦airaland Forum

NEWSJustices who declared third-runner up winner refused US visas – Donald DukePublished on February 16, 2023By Wale Odunsi

Former Cross River Governor, Donald Duke on Wednesday said the United States government has sanctioned some Justices in Nigeria.

Duke made the comment in Lagos at the launch of a memoir of retired Justice Charles Archibong. He served on the bench of the Federal High Court from 2002 to 2013.

The politician told the gathering that America slammed a visa ban on the Justices who delivered a verdict that made “a candidate who came fourth the winner of an election”.


Duke said their application to attend a Judges’ Conference in the U.S. were rejected, though their aides were given visas.

Legal luminary Olisa Agbakoka observed that the National Judicial Council, NJC, is controlled by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, who appoints 50 of its 60 members.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the conditions of service of the judiciary are terrible, a situation that could make officials vulnerable.

“We should not put our judges in a position where they can be tempted,” Agbakoba warned in his remarks.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Abdul Oroh, while sharing his experience when he served on the Judiciary Committee, said some SANs are responsible for corrupting judges.

Duke’s information brings to mind the Supreme Court’s declaration of Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as winner of the 2019 governorship election in Imo after finishing as third-runner up.

The judgement, which removed Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as Governor was delivered on January 14 2020 by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The panel included Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Justice Amiru Sanusi, Justice Amina Adamu Augie and Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji.

The ruling created tension among supporters of Uzodinma and Ihedioha. The ousted governor, at some point, stayed away from the State, citing disturbing security reports.

Three weeks ago, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced visa restrictions on some unnamed citizens, reiterating U.S. commitment to advancing democracy.

“Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election,” Blinken said.

Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the individuals and certain family members will be found ineligible for visas to America.

Can imagine the Supreme Court fell for the iberiberism of the shameless governors of Kano( Gandollar), El-Rufai and Atiku Bagudu. Now their jankara market judgement have been confined to the dustbin of history.

We will continue to press the neck beat the hell out of these criminals in disguise, and their urchin supporters.

the supreme court lack jurisdiction to handle CBN matters according to section 251 of the constitution of federal republic of Nigeria, the federal high court is the rightful court to handle such matters not the supreme court and secondly governors drag the federal government instead of CBN itself.

jude79:
We will continue to press the neck beat the hell out of these criminals in disguise, and their urchin supporters.

you know nothing about politics, tinubu win this currency battle, do you think politician will be sharing 500 and 1000 to you? have you seen how scares it is to get the new #200? BAT already stock 200 note to be use to buy people like use during election not 500 or 1000 notes

In NIGERIA, a politician that didn't contest a primary election was declared the winner by the supreme Court.

Who says Satan can't make Heaven.

Jones4190:
you know nothing about politics, tinubu win this currency battle, do you think politician will be sharing 500 and 1000 to you? have you seen how scares it is to get the new #200? BAT already stock 200 note to be use to buy people like use during election not 500 or 1000 notes

In Oshiomole's voice.

Our leaders fear(ed) being slammed by western countries with visa ban/threat, but same set of leaders flout our laws, abuse the citizens and treat us like thrash.

Should we say the fear of visa/entrance ban to major western countries is the foundation of resetting the brains of this wicked leaders?