I’m Still Ebonyi Governor, Justice Ekwo Lacks Powers To Remove Me – David Umahi

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has reacted to the judgment of Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja who removed him and his Deputy, Eric Igwe, from office on Tuesday.

David Umahi Vows To Remain Ebonyi Governor

KanyiDaily recalls that in his judgment on Monday, March 8, 2022, Justice Ekwo had ordered Umahi and Igwe to vacate their seats as Ebonyi governor and deputy over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Reacting during a press conference on Tuesday, Umahi insisted that he’s still the governor, adding that Justice Ekwo lacks the power to remove him from office with his judgment.

According to him, there is no provision in the Nigeria Constitution whereby a serving Governor or his Deputy could be removed on account of defection to another political party.

Umahi explained it is only through death, resignation or Impeachment by the state House of Assembly that a serving Governor and his Deputy could be removed from office.

He said, “I am still the Governor of Ebonyi State and there is no tension at all. In the first place, there is no constitutional provision for any hatchet man to remove a governor.

“There are three ways whereby a governor can vacate his office: it is either by death, resignation and impeachment. There is no other constitutional provision that empowers a hatchet man to turn the Constitution upside down.

“I have listened to the judgement of Inyang Ekwo and it’s very obvious that he was on a mission. He was making all effort to upturn the rulings of the Appeal and Supreme Courts, on issues like this.

“We have heard the rumours before now that he was determined to give judgement against all known laws and the Constitution, first to embarrass the APC, and to equally embarrass the Federal Government.

“For me, I do not feel worried; but, I feel so bad for the judicial in Nigeria. The executives may have problems; the legislature may have problems, but the moment justice could be purchased, then we are in trouble in Nigeria.

“It’s obvious that the ruling this afternoon is clear evidence that this country is in trouble. And let me tell you, this same judge, has over ten cases against the Ebonyi State Government with him. And you can imagine what he is going to rule.

“We have petitioned him to NJC and we will follow it up to the end to ensure that this man (Ekwo) is brought to justice. I want you to disregard the judgement because it’s null and void.”

KanyiDaily had earlier reported that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja also sacked 17 lawmakers in Ebonyi who defected from PDP to APC with Governor David Umahi.