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19th November, 2012.
Hon. Justice Ayoola Philips,
The Chief Justice Lagos State,
Lagos High Court,
Ikeja,
Lagos.
Re: Suit EPT/AP/013/11
(Laseic & Others vs. Ibrahim Obanikoro & Others)
Suit EPR/AP/034/12
(Adeniji & Others vs. Obanikoro & Others)
My Lord,
It is with great humility, honour, good faith, utmost respect and the interest of justice that I write this letter not to influence or seek for favour in any way shape or form, but to raise my reservations and seek the intervention of your good office to the sine die adjournment of our case (ept/ap/013/2011 and ept/ap/034/2012 now consolidated).
On 30/10/2012, the matter was adjourned to 15/11/12 for definite hearing. However upon arrival in court on the said date, the registrar announced adjournment of our petition and every other petition sine die. We were told to write a letter to request for the record of proceeding of the 14th/11/2012 which would state the reason why the judges have decided not to seat. My counsel did as told and returned to court Friday 16/11/2012 at 11am to pick up the record of proceedings as adviced, the court room was locked and registrar was unreachable even via phone.
I understand perfectly that there are procedures to handle petitions bordering on allegation of bribery and corruption in the judiciary, and this situation is not different, What I seek is your timely intervention to this matter knowing fully well that election petition matters are sensitive, time bound and fui generis (in a class of its own). The election was held Oct 22 2011, a year and 1 month ago, there shouldn’t be room for any delay again but as it is now, it seems as justice is being denied.
I believe in your good person and in the judiciary of our great State. As the defender of justice and the last hope of a common man, My lord, your actions are needed immediately to defend our judiciary from the corrupt allegations` notion in the minds of people. I look forward to the urgent resolution of the frivolous allegations / petitions and continuation of the appeal process as composed by the esteemed Judges led by Hon. Justice O.Oke.
Thank you
Yours Sincerely,
Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro
Cc: National Judicial Commission
Office of the Attorney General of Nigeria
Nigerian Bar Association.
