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.
Even though he didn’t mention any name, 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 (JSC).
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.
Launching ‘A Stranger In Their Midst’, @Donald_Duke reveals that Judges who delivered a judgment that made “a candidate who came fourth the winner of an election” have been refused visas to attend a judges’ conference in the US. Their aides were given visas, but they were not. pic.twitter.com/c2VjPoym71
— Ayo Obe (@naijama) February 15, 2023