Petition to Court of Appeal on perpetual injunction granted Gov. Odili against EFCC 5th August, 2013 THE PRESIDENT, COURT OF APPEAL, THREE ARMS ZONE, ABUJA. Your Lordship; RE: APPEAL ON PERPETUAL INJUCTION GRANTED DR. PETER ODILI AGAINST ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA (HEDA) is a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) set up for the purpose of educating the public on human rights, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and good governance amongst others. Under our recently launched Judicial Integrity and Access to Justice (JIAJ) programme, we are undertaking review of judgments and judicial pronouncements of Judges across the country, with a view to assisting the new Chief Justice of Nigeria in her historical fight against corruption in the Judiciary. In 2008, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed criminal action against Dr. Peter Odili, Former Governor of River State, based on facts bordering on corruption at the disposal of the commission. In a dramatic and unprecedented judicial pronouncement, a perpetual injunction was granted the accused against a law enforcement agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), immunizing Dr. Peter Odili, against investigation and prosecution by the Commission. That odious pronouncement drew sharp criticism against the judiciary from within and outside the country. Expectedly, the Commission expeditiously filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt EFCC V. AG RIVERS STATE & ORS, CA/PH/622/2008, with a view to discharging the ominous injunction of the Federal High Court. In a development that is smack of internal influence and maneuvering, the Court has refused to list the application 5 years after. It is necessary that the judiciary demonstrate a determination to combat corruption by the quick dispensation of corruption cases at the courts. Where cases are allowed to linger in courts, it allows for continued violations by the accused persons. We are by this petition praying lordship will use his good office to ensure that this case is promptly listed within the shortest possible time and justice is upheld for all. This action and many expected of the Nigerian Judicial System are necessary in attempts at improving the corruption rating of the country. We look forward to your prompt intervention Sincerely yours, Olanrewaju Suraju Chairman Cc: Chairperson, National Judicial Council
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 07:27:17 +0000
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