The APC Progressive Lawyers Forum has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate a reported arrest order issued by an Abuja magistrate against former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume over the disputed All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Imo West.
The group also urged the relevant judicial authorities to examine the legality of the order and consider suspending its enforcement, where legally permissible, pending the outcome of the review.
In a statement, the forum expressed concern that the development could complicate the ongoing legal dispute over the APC’s senatorial tickets, particularly as the Federal High Court is reportedly scheduled to deliver judgment on competing claims involving the Orlu and Okigwe senatorial zones.
It argued that, with the substantive dispute awaiting judicial determination, all parties should exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of creating further legal complications or undermining confidence in the judicial process.
The forum further alleged that the arrest order was connected to efforts by individuals it described as supporters of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, to influence the political atmosphere ahead of the pending judgment.
It called on the appropriate authorities to investigate the allegation, while stressing the need to protect the judiciary from any perception of political interference.
“The administration of justice must be protected from every appearance of political interference. Where a substantive matter is already before a competent court, all parties must respect due process and refrain from actions capable of prejudicing public confidence in the judicial process,” the forum said.
The group maintained that the rule of law must take precedence over political interests, urging the NJC to determine whether the circumstances surrounding the reported arrest order and the procedures leading to its issuance complied with applicable judicial requirements.
It also insisted that the dispute over the APC senatorial ticket should be resolved through established legal processes rather than actions that could be perceived as exerting pressure on the parties involved.
Reaffirming the NJC’s responsibility to safeguard judicial integrity and public confidence in the courts, the forum urged the council to investigate the matter and take any further action deemed appropriate under the law.
