• Says they head ‘Courts of Particular Concern’

The Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has listed three justices of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that it does not want cases involving their party assigned to it, henceforth.

They are Justice James Omotosho; Justice Peter Odo Lifu; and Justice Abdulmalik.

In a letter, the National Secretary of the PDP, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, wrote to the Chief Judge of the court, the party raised concerns that over time, all cases filed involving the PDP were always assigned to the listed judges.

The party noted that while between nine and 12 justices were available at the court and in the division, it was curious that PDP cases were always assigned to the three.

“I have the instruction and authority of the National Chairman of our Party, the Peoples Democratic Party and the entire members of the newly-elected National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of our Party to write this letter to Your Lordship concerning our fear and apprehension regarding all matters either filed by our Party or against our Party at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.

“My lord, it is of great concern to our Party that it would appear that all matters for the past few years filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division either for or against our Party have always been assigned to the following three Judges only, namely:

“Hon. Justice James Omotosho; Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu; Hon. Justice Abdulmalik. Even though there are other Judges numbering up to nine in the Abuja Judicial Division, who could have taken up any of these matters, as the Abuja Division has 12 Judges”, the letter partly read.

The party said its members had lately complained about the development, adding that it raised the question of whether the PDP had been fairly treated in the decisions handed down by the judges.

“Several of our Party members have recently complained bitterly to the newly elected members of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of the above-mentioned scenario.

“Indeed, all these three Courts are viewed by party members and indeed the public as ‘courts of particular concern’ with regard to matters pertaining to or affecting the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“My lord, it is trite that justice must not only be done in all cases and circumstances with regard to matters pending and matters filed in the Court of law, but justice must be seen to be done indeed by reasonable members of the society including the members of our Party”, it further stated.

The PDP said given that it was going through internal challenges at the moment, the likelihood of more suits being filed was high, hence it called on the CJ to stop assigning PDP cases to the listed judges.

The letter added, “Given the current challenges facing the Party, there is a high likelihood of cases being filed for or against the Party. It is in this respect that we humbly plead and beg that in no other matters or circumstances with regard to cases that may be filed by or against our party henceforth should be assigned to any of these three Judges, since justice is rooted in trust and integrity.

“Our Party wishes to reiterate the fact that we have no iota of doubt with regard to the integrity of the Judiciary, particularly the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, headed by your Lordship in dispensing justice in all cases, other than the above-highlighted fears and apprehension of our Party.

“Kindly accept the assurances and warm regards of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of our great party.” (Nigerian Tribune, but headline rejigged)