Kalu’s Release From Prison Is Rule Of Law In Action— NCDD
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) National Council for Democratic Development (NCDD) has hailed the order of a Lagos High Court for the release from jail of former Abia governor, Chief Orji Kalu.
The Executive Director of NCDD, Mr Onu Nwaeze, in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu, described the court decision as a ‘reinforcement’ of the independence of the judiciary.
Nwaeze also said that the court pronouncement was an indication that the Federal Government’s anti corruption crusade was anchored on the rule of law.
He said that the release of the senator representing Abia North District in the National Assembly had signaled a new dawn in the politics of the South East region.
He said the development was a clear testament that the current administration’s crusade against corruption was equally anchored on respect for institutions.
“We hereby join millions of Nigerians to celebrate a new dawn of hope and victory that the judgement has brought to our country.
“We appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment in the fight against corruption. It is now evident that the crusade is anchored on the rule of law and respect for institutions,” he said.
The executive director noted that the NCDD had carefully followed the entire judicial journey in the voided trial of the senator.
He said that only an atmosphere that guaranteed rule of law and respect for institutions could guarantee the rights of all to seek and get judicial remedy where necessary.
He described Kalu as a detribalised Nigerian and a leader who had built bridges of hope for the various peoples of Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Mohammed Liman of a Lagos High Court had on Tuesday ordered that Kalu who was serving 12 years jail term be released from jail.
The latest court pronouncement followed an application filed by Kalu’s lawyer seeking that his December 2019 conviction be set aside.
It will be recalled that the Supreme Court had earlier quashed the conviction of Kalu and others on the grounds that the trial judge came from his new position as Court of Appeal justice to give the judgment.