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NCCC Urges President Tinubu to Avert Anarchy Amid Concerns Over Judicial Inconsistencies in Election Decisions

by ONUAH YVONNE
written by ONUAH YVONNE

The North Central Citizens Council (NCCC) has issued a call to action, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively to prevent potential bloodshed and a descent into anarchy. The council expressed deep concerns over what it perceives as inconsistencies in judicial decisions following the governorship elections in March 2023 in Nigeria, particularly in states like Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara.

In a statement titled “Controversial Inconsistencies and Contradictions in the Appeal Court’s Decisions in the Governorship Elections Cases in Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara,” signed by the Coordinator, Comrade Mohammed Eneji, the NCCC highlighted the confusion and uncertainty created by these judicial decisions. The council emphasized that such inconsistencies exacerbate political opportunism and corruption, fostering an environment of disquiet.

The NCCC voiced its concern about the deliberate targeting of states known for political volatility, suggesting a potential attempt to cause regional crises. This, they warned, could escalate into widespread unrest and national conflict, undermining the stability of the entire country.

The statement urged President Tinubu to act swiftly, particularly in the case of the Kano governorship election, which has garnered significant attention due to the contentious nature of the Appeal Court’s decisions. The NCCC stressed that failure to address these emerging trends promptly could lead to severe consequences, including social unrest, political instability, and a breakdown of law and order.

The call to action underscores the council’s belief in the importance of preserving public trust in the judiciary and addressing the challenges that could erode confidence in the democratic process. President Tinubu, as a key national leader, is urged to take proactive measures to prevent the potential drift towards anarchy and bloodshed.

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Special Features

Northern Elders Forum Raises Concerns Over Judiciary Integrity Amidst Kano Governorship Election Controversy

by KINGSLEY OYEMA
written by KINGSLEY OYEMA

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed apprehension regarding the current state of the judiciary system in Nigeria, particularly in light of the controversy surrounding the Court of Appeal ruling on the Kano State governorship election. NEF’s concerns center on potential implications for the integrity of the judiciary, echoing retired Supreme Court Justice Dattijo Mohammed’s apprehensions about corruption within the system.

NEF, through its Convener, Ango Abdullahi, released a statement emphasizing the critical importance of the judiciary’s cautious actions to prevent erosion of its integrity, public trust, and confidence. Abdullahi highlighted the potential consequences of actions that may validate Justice Dattijo Mohammed’s concerns about corruption and compromises within the judiciary.

The statement read, “We recognise the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles. The judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving the credibility of the electoral process.”

NEF called on all levels of the judiciary to maintain the highest ethical standards and impartiality in decision-making processes, especially in cases related to elections. The forum stressed the judiciary’s role in sustaining constitutional democracy, urging judges to exhibit unwavering integrity and resilience when adjudicating cases.

The NEF expressed concern that the current trend may encourage politicians to view politics as a do-or-die affair, emphasizing the potential consequences of a failing judiciary on democratic norms and values. A compromised judiciary, according to NEF, could lead to a breakdown of trust in the democratic process, creating an environment where politicians feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices and abuse their power.

The statement also highlighted the risks associated with a collapsing judiciary, jeopardizing constitutionalism and potentially resulting in unchecked constitutional violations. NEF emphasized the crucial role of a fair and transparent judicial system in fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process.

NEF called on the judiciary to consider the consequences of its actions and decisions, urging it to uphold the rule of law to justify the confidence reposed in it by Nigerians. The forum encouraged the public to remain vigilant and expose any perceived misconduct by the judiciary, emphasizing the belief that a strong and incorruptible judiciary is essential for the development and progress of the nation. NEF pledged to closely monitor the judiciary’s conduct and advocate for its ethical revitalization in collaboration with concerned stakeholders.

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Politics

Kano Governorship Tussle: Governor Abba Yusuf Takes Case to Supreme Court Amidst Confusion Over Appeal Court Judgment

by KINGSLEY OYEMA
written by KINGSLEY OYEMA

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has approached the Supreme Court to contest the contradictory judgment of the Appeal Court that sacked him from office. This move comes amid reports that the Appeal Court has asked concerned lawyers to return the certified true copies of its judgment for corrections.

The confusion surrounding the Appeal Court judgment arose last Friday when the court declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, as the winner of the March 18 governorship election in Kano State, overturning Yusuf’s victory.

However, discrepancies in the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment added to the confusion, as the document indicated that the Court upheld Governor Yusuf’s victory. The certified copy contained a paragraph that stated, “I will conclude by stating that the live issues in this appeal are hereby resolved in favour of the 1st respondent and against the appellant.”

In the judgment, the appellant refers to Governor Yusuf, the 1st respondent is the APC, and the 2nd and 3rd respondents are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) respectively.

The conflicting statements within the certified copy led to uncertainty, prompting Governor Yusuf to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court. The move aims to seek clarification on the true outcome of the appeal and resolve the legal uncertainty surrounding the Kano State governorship election.

It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court, as the highest judicial authority in the country, holds the power to provide a final and conclusive resolution to the legal dispute between Governor Abba Yusuf and the All Progressives Congress in Kano State.

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Politics

Plateau Governor Vows to Fight for Mandate in Supreme Court After Appeal Court Nullifies Election

by KINGSLEY OYEMA
written by KINGSLEY OYEMA

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has described the verdict of the Appeal Court that nullified his election as a temporary setback that will not deter him from repositioning the state.

The Appeal Court on Sunday ruled that Mutfwang, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was not validly nominated and sponsored by his party during the election.

The court held that the PDP violated a court order to conduct a valid Congress in the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.

The court also held that the issue of qualification is both a pre-election and a post-election matter contrary to the tribunal’s findings, which held that the appellant lacked the locus to contest the validity of the respondent.

However, Mutfwang has expressed optimism that the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the citizens would be restored.

The Governor has instructed his legal team to file an appeal at the Supreme Court and has admonished citizens of the state and PDP supporters to remain calm.

He stressed that as long as God remains on the throne, the people’s mandate will be preserved and protected, reiterating his commitment to the rule of law, while assuring the people that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“We have unwavering faith in the judiciary and the Constitution of Nigeria,” Mutfwang added.

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Politics

APC Chieftain Advises Ousted Kano Governor to Accept Defeat

by KINGSLEY OYEMA
written by KINGSLEY OYEMA

Ilyasu Musa Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has weighed in on the recent Appeal Court judgment that removed Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf from office. In a statement released on Friday, Kwankwaso urged Governor Yusuf to gracefully accept the court’s decision and refrain from taking the case to the Supreme Court.

Kwankwaso expressed disappointment that Governor Yusuf did not accept the verdict of the governorship election tribunal, suggesting that pursuing the matter further at the Appeal Court was a misuse of the state’s limited resources.

He advised Yusuf to patiently prepare for the 2027 elections under a viable political party, cautioning against the use of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The former Commissioner applauded the confirmation of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the APC governorship candidate, as the governor-elect, viewing it as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law.

Kwankwaso commented, “It would be another mission impossible for him to drag the case to the Supreme Court, going by the available evidence that nailed him at both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court. Hence, there is a need for him to go and rest until 2027.”

He urged Yusuf to consider aligning with the ruling APC, suggesting that the party would provide him with an opportunity to learn and understand democracy better.

Kwankwaso also called on Gawuna and the deputy governor-elect, Alhaji Sule Garo, to prepare for their responsibilities in governing the state. He expressed confidence that the duo, being tested and trusted individuals, would swiftly address the challenges left by the ousted governor.

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