In a press briefing held today, the Labour Party raised serious concerns about the integrity of the judiciary, specifically targeting Justice Hamman Barka of the Court of Appeal. The Acting National Chairman of the party, Alh Bashiru Lamidi Apapa, highlighted the alarming trend of personal relationships overshadowing legal mandates, branding the recent judgment as a threat to both anti-corruption efforts and democratic principles.
The controversy stems from a recent judgment delivered by Justice Barka on March 6th, 2024, concerning an appeal filed by Julius Abure and others. The Labour Party emphasized the urgency of the matter by swiftly filing a motion for a stay of execution at the Supreme Court, effectively halting the implementation of Justice Barka’s ruling.
Central to the Labour Party’s grievances is Justice Barka’s alleged disregard for crucial evidence, including a certified true copy of a letter from the FCT High Court confirming Julius Abure’s involvement in forgery. Despite this damning evidence, Justice Barka purportedly ignored its significance, raising serious questions about the integrity of the judicial process.
Furthermore, the press briefing highlighted instances where Justice Barka’s judgment deviated from legal protocol, including making pronouncements on issues not directly pertinent to the case at hand. The Labour Party emphasized the need for adherence to established legal procedures, citing past legal precedents to underscore the importance of respecting court orders.
In response to the contentious judgment, the Labour Party has taken decisive action by appealing the decision to the Supreme Court on multiple grounds, with plans to submit further grievances pending the acquisition of the certified true copy of the judgment.
In conclusion, the Labour Party’s stance on the matter remains unequivocal: Justice Hamman Barka’s actions represent a clear threat to the pillars of democracy and the fight against corruption. The party’s call for his resignation underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative of upholding the rule of law.
Signed: Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, National Publicity Secretary, Labour Party
