By Ade Adeloye, Ibadan
The Acting National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP), Alhaji Abba Kawu Ali has expressed grave concern about what he termed an attempt by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to interfere with the works of the judiciary in the state.
Ali who was speaking at a press conference on Monday at the National Headquarters of the NNPP in Abuja, expressed grave concern over what he termed as attempt to undermine the integrity of the judiciary in Ogun State by Governor Abiodun.
Ali in a statement made available to the Journalists in Ibadan, highlighted the alleged efforts by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to interfere with the judicial process, potentially leading to anarchy within the state.
“We want to draw the attention of Nigerians and indeed the whole world to the ongoing efforts by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to desecrate the temple of Justice which has the consequences of engendering anarchy, which Nigeria can ill afford now,” Ali said.
The NNPP Chairman shed light on a series of events that led to the expulsion of the party’s former chairman in Ogun State, Comrade Sunday Olaposi Oginni, and subsequent actions taken by both parties.
Ali detailed how NNPP officials, accompanied by police personnel, attempted to take possession of the party’s state office following Oginni’s expulsion.
He however, said in a dramatic turn of events, Oginni reported a case of “stealing” to the Police, accusing NNPP officials of burgling his office and making away with a significant sum of money.
“The question is, did they enter the office illegally? Could they have ‘stolen’ the money in the presence of the Policemen who accompanied them? Ali asked, highlighting the inconsistencies in Oginni’s allegations.
He further raised concern on Oginni’s claim that a large sum of cash was in his office, questioning the legality of such act and asked whether that is in compliance with anti-money laundering laws.”
The NNPP Chairman said the party can see the hands of Gov Abiodun in the attempt to interfere in the works of the judiciary in the state.
The NNPP emphasized its commitment to the rule of law and called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to refrain from interfering in judicial proceedings concerning its activities.
“We are using this medium to advise Governor Dapo Abiodun to leave Ogun State judiciary to work without undue interference to be able to dispense justice without fear or favour,” Ali said.
Acknowledging Ogun State’s historical significance and the role of its judiciary in upholding integrity, Ali urged the judiciary to maintain its independence and integrity.
He emphasized the importance of the media conference by calling for transparency and adherence to constitutional principles in the resolution of the ongoing dispute.
