Yesterday, 20th of April, 2010, it was reported that the EFCC and others attempted to give effect to the Abuja High Court’s Warrant of Arrest against the person of Chief James Ibori which proved abortive as Chief James Ibori and his aides were reported to have resisted the arrest hinging their resistance on the premise of a Federal High Court’s status quo order of 19th April 2010.
Based on the above report, we found it imperative on us, on behalf of the Delta State Elders, Leaders & Stakeholders Forum (DSELSF) led by Chief E. K. Clark to state clearly that the reported resistance and argument canvassed for, is not only a misconception of the court status quo order, but also untenable, irrational and a deliberate flagrant violation and disregard to constituted authorities and directives.
We therefore further maintain that the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies, including every right thinking citizen of the realm are duty-bound to arrest the ex-Governor in the extant circumstances, as the much touted statuesque order by the Federal High Court, Asaba only complement, reinforce as well as fortify the warrant of arrest earlier issued on Chief Ibori.
For clarity and the need to understand the effect and legality of the status quo order granted by the Federal High Court in Asaba, it is necessary to understand the cosmic meaning of status quo in our jurisprudence.
“Status quo” is a latin word which literally means the current or existing state of affairs, that is, the state of affairs which existed previously before the order was given. And if we must ask ourselves, what is in existence that is yet to be vacated before the status quo order? Is a duly drawn Warrant of Arrest of Chief James Onanafe Ibori.
Therefore, when the Federal High Court Asaba, ordered the parties, that is, EFCC and Ibori to maintain status quo, the status quo here which not only the EFCC but all law enforcement agencies as well as every citizen of the realm as people who believe in the rule of law must maintain and ensure its effect is is the arrest of the ex-governor as contained in the duly Warrant of Arrest granted by a competent Court.
As of now, and with the effect of the order of warrant of arrest on Ibori, the ex-governor is a persona non grata and an outcast whom all hands must be on deck to apprehend and brought to justice in pursuance of the Abuja High Court’s Order.
Therefore, when the Federal High Court Asaba, ordered the parties, that is, EFCC and Ibori to maintain status quo, the status quo here which not only the EFCC but all law enforcement agencies as well as every citizen of the realm as people who believe in the rule of law must maintain and ensure its effect is the arrest of the ex-governor as contained in the duly Warrant of Arrest granted by a competent Court.
Chief James Ibori will also as well, be maintaining status quo by presenting himself for arrest in pursuant to the warrant of arrest against his person.
Thank you.
Kayode Ajulo Esq.
Kayode AJulo & Co.
Castle Of Law
