Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
Prominent legal practitioner Achi-William-Wobodo has issued a statement, made available to Truth Live News, urging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Assembly to intervene and call Ugochinyere Ikenga to order, following what he described as Ikenga’s “unbecoming conduct” and “undue interference with the course of justice.”
In a press release, Wobodo expressed dismay over a video circulating on social media, in which Ikenga allegedly made unfounded claims regarding a legal case involving Wobodo’s client. Ikenga, a political figure known for his controversial remarks, accused Wobodo and his client of seeking an interim injunction to halt a local government election in Rivers State—a claim that Wobodo has categorically denied.
Wobodo dismissed the video as a deliberate attempt by Ikenga to malign him and his client, stating that the allegations were baseless and intended to mislead the public. “Ordinarily, I would have ignored the video as the ranting of a demented conman, but because of the unsuspecting members of the public who may not be critical enough to see through his lies, I have opted to make these clarifications,” Wobodo said.
In his clarification, Wobodo explained that his legal actions on behalf of his client were strictly in line with the law. He stated that the case filed was a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Application to ensure his client’s right to participate in the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State. Contrary to Ikenga’s claims, Wobodo emphasized that no ex parte motion or interim orders had been filed or sought in the application.
Wobodo also addressed Ikenga’s allegations that he was attempting to file court processes after hours, calling such claims “mischievous” and indicative of Ikenga’s lack of understanding of court procedures. “Those who know how the Federal High Court operates would know that that Court does not receive or access any process for filing after 2.00pm,” Wobodo noted, adding that Ikenga’s public display of ignorance was both embarrassing and reckless.
Wobodo went further, accusing Ikenga of attempting to intimidate him and his client, as well as obstruct the legal process by misinforming the public and potentially influencing the assignment of the case. He described these actions as a direct violation of the law, punishable under Section 182 of the Penal Code Act.
In a striking turn of events, Wobodo also alleged that the Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, may have played a role in Ikenga’s video. According to Wobodo, Governor Fubara forwarded a court process related to the case to him via WhatsApp just one hour before Ikenga released his video. “Not surprisingly, ONE HOUR LATER, Ugochinyere came up with his video rants. What a coincidence!” Wobodo remarked.
While Wobodo refrained from making further accusations, he indicated that a libel suit against Ikenga was imminent. “For Ugochinyere, he should be rest assured that he has earned himself a libel suit, and I hope that he would be able to substantiate his allegations against my client and I,” Wobodo stated.
He concluded by offering advice to Governor Fubara, urging him not to allow third parties to dictate his relationship with his benefactor, Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Wobodo warned that those urging the governor to maintain his rift with Wike were his true enemies, not Wike himself, who had been instrumental in Fubara’s rise to power.
“They have no other objective but to seek your downfall so that they can mock you and your benefactor. Very soon, they will regroup against you in a desperate plot to snatch the ‘Red Pen’ from you. Then and only then will you realize that you have lost a true friend in Chief/Barr E.N. Wike. It is never too late,” Wobodo advised.
Wobodo’s statement has raised significant concerns about the ongoing tensions between Governor Fubara and his political allies, as well as the potential misuse of public platforms for political gains.
