The group Igbo Presidency Push, congratulates the Chief Whip of the 9th Senate and former governor of Abia state, Sen Orji Uzor Kalu on his victory over the EFCC in a judgement given at the Federal high court in Abuja barring the EFCC from further trial on the senator. Speaking with newsmen, the secretary of the group, Ambassador Francis Ejovwokoghene noted that the embattled former governor, Orji Kalu must had passed through psychological, emotional and financial stress, following the duration taken on the trial as they encouraged him to forget the past for vindication was his utmost price, He said.
“For every successful journey, there are thorns that inflict injuries on leaders that are actively desirous to serve the public diligently. The story of the former governor of Abia state who is currently the Chief whip of the 9th Senate, Sen Orji Uzor Kalu is such to be grateful to God, for a successful end and a positive notes.
“We knew when it began in 2007, anyone of his sort, having tough time with the then administration, that constituted the EFCC, his trail by that commission must had been influenced by hands in higher authorities. It’s not as if this higher authority has nothing to answer for, in the miss management of public funds that the commission should be on the search for.
“However, We’re grateful to still have competent judges to upturned the unlawful judgement that sentenced the Chief whip as convicted, based on the irregularity of an elevated judge to demote, not by law, to give such verdict. What is the fate of the common man, if he’s cut-up with such, in the hands of the law that is supposed to protect him?
“We congratulate Sen Orji Kalu in a very special way for this victory and encourage him to put all these behind him. Irrespective of how well this trial had dented his personality, the reasons for vindication is the ultimate trophy that can heal all inflictions.
“Your victory is our victory, Most Distinguish, Sir. Our beliefs on your sort for the future before us as a nation is gaining momentum with this news of vindication. May God grant you the acceptance to our call, to be used as a vessel, to change situations for our nation, in this dying world economy, crying for restitution”.
It would be recalled that senator Orji Uzor Kalu was convicted by the Federal high court on the counts of the diversion of 7.1 billion Abia state funds. A judgement that was upturned by the supreme court, for a fresh trial on the said allegations.
while delivering judgment in the application filed by Kalu seeking an order of court restrictions on the Federal Government, through her agent the EFCC, from retrying him on a charge for which he had already been tried and convicted, as he said.
“An order is hereby made prohibiting the Federal Government through the EFCC, her agents, officers, servants, other agents and any other person or bodies deriving authority from the Federal Government from retrying the applicant (Kalu) on charge no. FHC/ABJ/CR/56/2007 FRN vs Kalu and two others on or any other charge based on the same facts, the said applicant having been tried, convicted and sentenced by the judgment of this court dated Dec. 5, 2019 by Justice M.B Idris.”
This judgement is coming after the application filed by the prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for a retrial, countered by Kalu and his firm’s application that a retrial would subject him to double jeopardy, having been tried and convicted on the same count charge.
