Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Constance Momoh, yesterday took a swipe at the Federal Government, for allegedly deceiving the bureau over the state of health of former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Justice Momoh asked the government counsel not to take members for fools by lying that Alamieyeseigha was still seriously ill, saying it was a common knowledge that the accused was hale and hearty.
She said Alamieyeseigha was given heroic welcome in his state and he read an address, wondering how the prosecutor could come and put up futile attempt to deceive them.
She said if the Federal Government was no longer interested in the charge, the prosecutor should formally withdraw it instead of taking the bureau for a ride, saying if the accused fails to appear next time, she would throw out the case.
On June 6, when the case came up, Mr. Thompson Olatigbe, who was prosecuting the matter informed the tribunal that government had taken Alamieyeseigha abroad for medical treatment which caused his absence at the tribunal.
When the matter came up yesterday, Justice Mommoh expressed surprise that a man seen on television being given heroic reception by his people was still unavailable for trial.
She said 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 till today (Tuesday) for an update on his health. Between then and now, so much has happened. Why is he not here? It is a known 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, Aliyu 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.�
Earlier, Ms. M.N. Nomhwange, the former governor�s lawyer had told the tribunal she did not know the whereabouts of her client as their legal team had not established contacts with him.
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.
Before the tribunal adjourned to October 30, Justice Mommoh asked the prosecution to agree on whether or not it intends to continue with the case on the adjourned, pointing out that the accused should be present on that day.
Sep122007