…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Denial of N1 Billion Bribery Claims
The Ebonyi State Government has categorically denied the allegations suggesting that it allocated N1 billion to sway the outcomes of electoral tribunal cases favoring the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the state.
According to the government, these claims of financial influence over the judiciary are baseless, unfounded, and regrettable.
Governor’s Confidence in the Judicial System
In a press statement in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, emphasized that Governor Francis Nwifuru maintains full confidence in the Nigerian judiciary and has no reason to be concerned about the rulings of the tribunal.
The governor firmly believes in the integrity of the judicial system and trusts in its ability to dispense justice fairly.
Opposition’s Antics and Public Disregard
The commissioner urged the general public to dismiss these allegations as they are part of the opposition’s ploys to disrupt the smooth governance of the state.
He criticized the actions of those who, having been rejected by the people in the last general elections, hired an individual residing outside Ebonyi State to make defamatory statements against the tribunal judges and the entire Nigerian judiciary for their own political gains.
Fictitious Media Outfit and Disregard for Nigeria’s Integrity
Okpor highlighted that the government became aware of the fictitious media outfit operated by Paschal Oluchukwu, a resident of the United Arab Emirates, who singlehandedly disseminated these false claims.
He expressed disappointment in Oluchukwu for disregarding Nigeria’s integrity before the international community while attempting to please his paymasters.
Government’s Respect for the Judiciary
Reaffirming the government’s respect for the judiciary, Okpor stated that Governor Nwifuru, being elected into office alongside other APC candidates by the people of Ebonyi State, remains confident in the judiciary’s impartiality.
He emphasized that the tribunal judges possess integrity and unimpeachable character, assuring that they would not stoop so low as to demand or accept any form of financial inducement.
Governor’s Commitment to Justice
The statement concluded by affirming that the Ebonyi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, has never planned or attempted to bribe any member of the judiciary, directly or indirectly, to manipulate the course of justice.
The government remains dedicated to upholding justice and maintaining transparency in its governance.