Labour Party Expresses Concern Over Delayed Delivery of Supreme Court Judgment
The Labour Party (LP) has raised a significant alarm over the delayed issuance of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court several months ago, regarding an appeal it filed alongside its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
In a press release dated November 28, 2023, the LP expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding the status of the judgment.
The party highlighted the sequence of events surrounding the Supreme Court’s handling of the appeal, citing the discrepancy between the LP’s case and a separate appeal brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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The LP noted that despite being two distinct appeals emanating from separate judgments at the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, after delivering judgment in the PDP’s case, orally indicated that the decision would also apply to the LP’s appeal.
The party expressed astonishment over the Court’s stance, highlighting several discrepancies between the LP’s appeal and the PDP’s case. These included varying factual grounds, different issues submitted for determination, and specific concerns unique to the LP’s petition.
The LP further detailed its efforts to obtain a Certified True Copy of the judgment, citing multiple requests to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court.
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However, to date, these requests remain unaddressed, contravening the constitutional provision requiring the court to furnish parties with authenticated copies of its decisions within seven days of delivery.
The LP underscored its disappointment with the Supreme Court’s handling of the matter, labeling it as unprecedented and a violation of its constitutional right to a fair hearing.
The party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, lamented the situation, terming it as an “unmitigated breach” of their rights and expressed deep concern over the Court’s conduct.
The LP’s press release urged swift action by the Supreme Court to provide the Certified True Copy of the judgment, emphasizing the importance of upholding the constitutional rights of all parties involved.
