PDP Petitions Chief Judge Over 3 Judges

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has petitioned  the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, to stop assigning the party’s cases to the three justices of the court, namely  ; Justice Peter Odo Lifu; Justice James Omotosho and Justice Abduimalik.

The party said it’s surprised that cases relating to the PDP were always assigned to the three judges, wondering why it’s so despite the fact that there are close to 12 judges in the court.

The PDP made the petition in a letter signed by Taofeek Arapaja, the National Secretary of the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, saying its members have expressed seriously concern about these justices.

The development comes on the heels of conflicting judgments delivered by the court regarding the recent National Convention of the party held in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, where Turaki was elected the National Chairman.

Two factions of the party are currently in court to determine which of them is in control.

According to the part, the courts presided over by the three justices have been designated by its members as “Courts of Particular Concern, adding that the party has lost confidence in their abilities to dispense justice in the cases relating to the PDP, calling on the Chief Judge to stop assigning its cases to them henceforth. .

“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,” the PDP said.

“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 Abduimalik. 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 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.

“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.”

Adding that “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.”