By Kingsley Fanwo
LAGOS—A group, United Front Against Corruption has condemned the stalled trial of the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Abubakar Audu, over corrupt practices at an Abuja High Court.
Audu is standing trial for misappropriation and money laundering charge no: FCT/CR/115/2013, having been charged to court by the nation’s anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Concerned citizens of the state and journalists had besieged the court today in anticipation of the case, only to be told that the court would not be holding due to the absence of the trial judge, Hon. Justice A.O. Adeniyi.
Responding to the development through a press statement, the group condemned the Federal Government for shielding Audu from justice.
“We know that one of the critical factors that delivered the presidency to the APC is the party’s promise to fight corruption. Nigerians are tired of corruption and official protection offered to corrupt but powerful people in the nation.
“Audu is innocent until found guilty by any court of jurisprudence. But we frown on deliberate attempts at blocking the trial of the governorship candidate of APC by some powerful elements within the party.
“The people of Kogi State voted for Buhari so that the likes of Audu and others across party lines could be made to give account of their stewardship.
“The excuse that the trial judge was attending to tribunal cases was flimsy and represents an insult on everyone in Nigeria that stands against corruption.
“The court was aware of the case since last year and should have shown respect to the anti-corruption society by assigning a judge to hear the case.”
“By fielding an allegedly corrupt candidate in the election, APC has messed up its message ab initio to the Nigerian people. We are ready to march on the Abuja High Court to stop the judiciary from promoting corruption in the nation,” the group said.
