Rédaction Africa Links 24 with John Akinfehinwa
Published on 2024-03-04 16:39:51
The Northern Initiative for the Defence of Democracy and Justice, a civil society organization, has raised concerns about the recent actions of the Court of Appeal in the Kogi State Governorship Petition Tribunal case. The Coordinator of the group, Nureeddeen Sadiq, expressed dismay at the interference of the appellate court in the tribunal’s proceedings, which he believes undermines the judiciary’s authority and integrity.
At a press conference in Abuja, Sadiq highlighted the importance of upholding the independence and autonomy of the tribunal in conducting its fact-finding duties. He criticized the Appeal Court’s decision to overrule the earlier directive of the tribunal for all parties involved in the case to jointly inspect the electoral materials used in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State. This interference, according to Sadiq, sets a dangerous precedent and jeopardizes the credibility of the judiciary as a whole.
The Northern Initiative for the Defence of Democracy and Justice emphasized that the tribunal has the inherent authority to issue orders and directives to facilitate its operations and fulfill its mandate. The group pointed out that the tribunal had previously issued a series of orders in favor of the petitioners, Muritala Ajaka and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), including the inspection of electoral materials. Despite objections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Ododo, the tribunal dismissed his motion to set aside the inspection orders.
Ododo subsequently appealed the tribunal’s decision at the Court of Appeal, which ultimately ruled to set aside the inspections conducted and ordered fresh inspections with Ododo’s participation. This ruling, as criticized by the Northern Initiative for the Defence of Democracy and Justice, was not requested in the initial motion or notice of appeal filed by Ododo’s legal team.
The group expressed concerns about the implications of the Appeal Court’s intervention in the tribunal’s proceedings, warning that allowing such interference could undermine the judiciary’s integrity and erode public confidence in the legal system. Sadiq stressed the importance of protecting the autonomy of tribunals in conducting their fact-finding duties without external influence or pressures.
In conclusion, the Northern Initiative for the Defence of Democracy and Justice called for respect for the independence of the judiciary and adherence to due process in handling election petition cases. The group urged all parties involved to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the tribunal can fulfill its mandate without undue interference. By safeguarding the integrity and autonomy of the judiciary, the group believes that the future of democracy and justice in Nigeria can be preserved.
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