A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, the Anambra state capital, has granted the subpoena ad testificandum to get the 37 governorship aspirants in the last Anambra election to testify at trial in a suit brought against them for alleged tax fraud by Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo.
The 37 aspirants were Dr. Obinna Uzoh, Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, Mr. Anthony Nwoye, Dr. Emmanuel Andy Uba, Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke, Hon. Jerry Ugokwe, Mr. Patrick Ugboma, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, Chief Charles Odunukwe, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, Mr. Onwuanyim Damian Afamaefule, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, and Walter U. Okeke – PDP aspirants.
Others included Mr. Emmanuel Nweke, Ogbuefi Tony Nnaechetta, Chinedu Francis Idigo, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Hon. Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Nwogbo, Chief Paul Odenigbo, Hon. Uche Lillian Ekwunife, Chief Willie Obiano, Mr. John Nwosu, Mr. John Okechukwu Emeka, Mr. Nwachi Patrick Obianwu, Hon. Victor Ogene – APGA aspirants.
Finally Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Dr. Godwin Ezeemo (APC), and Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Uba (LP); Dr. Ifeatu Ekedem (ACD); Chief Anayo Arinze (ADC); Blessing Ulasi (PPA); Ozo Dennis Ogugua (KOWA) and Mr. Chris Ekweozo of MPPP.
Justice M. L. Abubakar granted the order in a civil summons to witness requiring subpoena.
The order read: “Now, therefore, you are commanded in the name of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to deliver to the plaintiff (Okonkwo), written statement on oath concerning the case and the following documents:
“Sworn affidavit of personal assets declaration; income tax declaration forms regarding you as a witness, payment of taxes respectively for the 2008 to 2013 financial years; and income tax receipt for your personal income, for the years 2008 to 2013 respectively.
“Certified bank statements and or instruments connected to the donation/nomination fees ranging between N2 million and N12 million paid to your political party as governorship aspirant.”
The court further ordered that failure to deliver the statement as aforesaid, they would be guilty of contempt of court and a bench warrant for arrest and/or committal to prison might be issued on them.
