Posted by By GODWIN TSA Abuja on
The Federal Government has said that the former Bayelsa State governor, Dieprieye Alamieyeiseigha was unavailable for trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal because he was yet to recover fully from his health condition.
The Federal Government has said that the former Bayelsa State governor, Dieprieye Alamieyeiseigha was unavailable for trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal because he was yet to recover fully from his health condition.
The disclosure came as the tribunal Chairman, Justice Constance Momoh on Tuesday threatened to strike out the case for want of diligent prosecution.
The ex-governor who was impeached in 2005 by Bayelsa lawmakers was dragged before the tribunal by the Federal Government over non-declaration of asset. He was also accused of operating foreign accounts contrary to the provisions of the Act establishing the tribunal.
However, when the case came up on June 6, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Thompson Olatigbe, informed the tribunal that government had taken Alamieyeiseigha abroad for medical treatment, which caused his absence at the tribunal.
But at the resumption of trial on Tuesday, the presiding Judge, Justice Momoh expressed surprise that a man they saw on television being given a tumultuous reception by his kinsmen was still unavailable for trial.
After Mr. Salihu Aliyu, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who led the prosecution team to the tribunal informed the court that the ex-governor was yet to fully recover from his ailment, the tribunal members asked him if there was a romance between the prosecution and Alamieyeiseigha as they had seen him in the news media in pomp and in high spirit.
Counsel to the former Governor, Miss Mimi Nomwhange told the tribunal that she has not been able to get in touch with her client but promised to bring him at the next adjourned date.
She was however, quick to add that the prosecution counsel was in a better position to shed light on the absence of her client at the tribunal.
But not comfortable with the explanations, the Chairman of the tribunal threatened to strike out the case if the prosecution has compromised itself on the case.
She explained that the tribunal had adjourned the matter till yesterday 'because the accused was said to be receiving treatment at the instance of the federal government.
'We adjourned to today (Tuesday) for an update on his health. Between then and now, so much has happened. Why is he not here? It is a notorious fact that the man is back in the country and was given a heroic reception.
'We did not expect he would be absent today. Are you sure you are prepared to prosecute him. We are very busy people and we can't come here and listen to fantasies. Every Nigerian knows he is back and he was all over the places. We don't want this tribunal to be taken as fools," she fumed.
The DPP had told the tribunal that Alamieyeiseigha was not in the tribunal because government understands 'his health is shaky and we urge this tribunal to grant us a short adjournment."
Responding to a question from the tribunal as to whether or not their legal services were still being retained by Alamieyeiseigha, Nomhwange replied that their client had an operation and so could not be reached on phone to confirm his health status.
Not convinced on the explanations given by both counsel, Justice Momoh said:
'Every man on the street knows that Alamieyeseigha is a free man and has no health problem. If you have compromised on the issue at stake, then it is better you come and withdraw the charges against the accused honourably.
'This is the last time this tribunal will listen to your fantasies. We are no longer ready for more of your fantasies. You better go and sought yourself out. If you are not ready to prosecute he charge, then get it terminated."
Before the tribunal adjourned to October 30, Justice Momoh asked the prosecution to agree on whether or not it intends to continue with the case on the adjourned date, pointing out that the accused should be present on that day.