A High Court Judge in Anambra State has raised eyebrows by attending the funeral of Governor Wille Obiano’s mother wearing the “aso-ebi” (uniform) of the bereaved family even though he is not a relative or even from the same town as the Obianos.

Curiously, the Judge, Justice Chukwudi Okaa of Nnewi High Court, had on the eve of the funeral of Mrs. Christiana Obiano, handed down an exparte injunction against the holding of the Anambra State governorship primaries by the Martin Agbaso-led All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Governor Obiano, who intends to seek re-election on November 18 this year, is backing Agbaso’s rival, Dr. Victor Oye, who was sacked by a High Court in neighbouring Enugu State presided over by Justice J.B Ozoemena.

To APGA chieftain Uche Ezechukwu, Justice’s Okaa’s behaviour during Governor Obiano’s mother last Friday, July 20, is quite significant.

Ezechukwu, a veteran journalist and communications expert, lamented on his Facebook wall: “Nemo Judex in Causa Sua. (No man should be a judge in his own case). This universally accepted and respected legal doctrine is observed in Anambra State in the breach.

“It might be no news that this man is decked in the family aso-ebi of the Obiano relatives at the burial of Governor Willie Obiano’s mother, last Friday, which translates to the fact that the man has a consaguine or/and other close relationship to the bereaved governor.

“It is not also news that the man is Justice Okaa of Nnewi High Court nor is it news that Justice Okaa hails from Umueri, the neighboring community to Aguleri, Obiano’s home town.

“The news, however, is that this judge was the same man that, just a day before the famous funeral, had handed down and exparte injunction against the holding of APGA primaries by the Martin Agbaso-led APGA primaries in which Governor Obiano has a superlative interest. Furthermore the judge is the father of one of Governor Obiano’s special assistants. Justice, indeed!”

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