The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reacted to the apology by Ebonyi Governor, Dave Umahi.
On Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the sack of Umahi and Eric Igwe, his deputy.
The verdict angered the governor who declared that the judge did a “hatchet job”. He called the ruling a “sham”.
In a statement on Thursday, NBA President, Olumide Akpata recalled that he unequivocally condemned the reaction and demanded a retraction.
Akpata disclosed that Umahi made extensive efforts to reach him.
The lawyer said in their conversation, he stressed that the NBA has no interest in the case other than to ensure that the sanctity of the judicial system is protected.
“In line with our demands, H.E. Engr. Umahi addressed a cross-section of Ebonyi State citizens, where he unreservedly apologised for his comments, clarified his intentions and very importantly too, called for calm while urging his people to refrain from denigrating the Judiciary.
“I will immediately transmit this apology to His Lordship, Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo and My Lord the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is the head of the Judiciary in Nigeria, and urge them to also accept same,” he said.
Akpata reiterated that there is a well-established procedure by law for challenging unfavourable decisions of courts of competent jurisdiction.
The President vowed that his administration will continue to fulfil its mandate by rising to the defence of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the sanctity of court orders.
“Now that the right thing has been done & the appeal process has been activated, we shall resume our backseat and allow the process to take its course.
“As far as the NBA is concerned, this brings an end to this unfortunate episode but we hope that important lessons have been learnt”, his statement added.
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