Damilola Timilehin, Ibadan
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has urged the judiciary to carefully consider the consequences of its actions and decisions and uphold the rule of law in the context of recent judgments related to elections.
Specifically, the NEF expressed concerns over the judgments given by the Court of Appeal in cases involving states ruled by opposition parties, namely Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara.
In a statement, Prof Ango Abdullahi, the convener of NEF, emphasized the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles.
The forum pledged to closely monitor the conduct of the judiciary and advocate for its ethical revitalization to protect the interests of all Nigerians.
Abdullahi cited retired Supreme Court Justice Dattijo Mohammed’s valedictory remarks about corruption and undue compromises within the judiciary, highlighting the potential consequences of such actions.
He stressed the role of the judiciary in ensuring justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and maintaining the credibility of the electoral process.
NEF called on all levels of the judiciary to uphold the highest ethical standards, maintain impartiality, and exhibit integrity when adjudicating cases, especially those related to elections.
The forum warned that a compromised judiciary could lead to a breakdown of democratic norms, encouraging politicians to view politics as a do-or-die affair.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Honourable Seyi Olorunsola, also addressed the issue.
Olorunsola called on the judiciary to discharge its constitutional role without fear or favor.
He emphasized the importance of a judiciary that operates without rancor or acrimony to be held in high esteem.
Olorunsola cautioned against dragging the Yoruba community into political mud for individual selfish interests, regardless of their political affiliations. He refuted claims that the Yoruba community in Kano was under threat in the context of the unfolding Governorship election trial in the state.
Olorunsola urged Yoruba people in Kano to remain calm, go about their lawful business, have confidence in God and the judiciary, and not let ethnicity be exploited for political gains.
