JUSTICE PREVAILS:Imo NUJ Land Grabbing Case Ends in Favour of Integrity Group .
By Ella Michaels
In a landmark ruling, the Owerri High Court has set aside the earlier judgement against the Integrity Journalists group, returning the Imo NUJ Press Center on Port Harcourt Road to its rightful owners. This decision brings an end to a long-standing dispute over the ownership of the property, which had been embroiled in controversy since 2019.
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, Hon. Justice Ann Ononeze Madu delivered a three-hour ruling, stating that she had been deceived into entering the earlier judgement against the real and authentic journalists. The court declared that Christopher Akaraonye, Chris Isiguzo, and their cohorts had no right to sell the landed property, which belongs to the entire journalists' union, as they were not legitimate leaders.
The court's decision was based on the fact that Akaraonye and his acclaimed executives are facing a National Industrial Court of Nigeria over their leadership emergence as Imo State NUJ Chairman in 2019. The court condemned their actions, stating that they had no right to parade themselves as leaders of the union while their leadership was being challenged.
The judgement has been hailed by Imo journalists, who see it as a victory against an illegal attempt to steal their property. According to Barr Vitalis Nwaonu Esq, representative of the counsel to Imo State Nigeria Union of Journalists Integrity Group, "The Hon. Justice Ann Ononeze Madu has shown her capacity as a legal icon who believes in the rules of the law. Her pronouncement is apt and direct, standing on the part of truth irrespective of the earlier fraudulent judgement obtained through the back door."
The Integrity Group has expressed its satisfaction with the judgement, stating that they are ready to follow the matter to its logical conclusion at the Industrial Court. This ruling is a significant victory for the journalists' union, ensuring that their property is protected and their rights are upheld.
A New Era for Imo NUJ_
The Imo NUJ Land Grabbing Case has been a long and arduous journey, but the Integrity Group's perseverance has paid off. This ruling marks a new era for the union, one where their property and rights are protected. As the union moves forward, they can do so with confidence, knowing that the law is on their side.
The court's decision is a hallmark of justice and the importance of upholding the law. It serves as a reminder that no individual or group can act with impunity, and that the rights of others will be protected.
