Northern Group Urges Tinubu, NJC To Prevail on Judiciary Over Kogi Guber Tribunal
- The aftermath of the Kogi state gubernatorial election has reached a fever pitch, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been involved
- The Northern Initiative for the Defence of Democracy and Justice (NIDDM), a pro-democracy group, has appealed for President Tinubu's intervention
- The group told the President to help monitor the Kogi election petition tribunal to ensure fairness and justice
Legit.ng journalist Segun Adeyemi has over 9 years of experience covering political events, civil societies, courts, and metro
A pro-democracy group associated with the Northern Initiative for the Defence of Democracy and Justice (NIDDM) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chairman of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to intervene and halt what they perceive as "judicial misconduct" in the Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.
This non-partisan organisation has also implored the tribunal members to stand firm and resist any pressure or influence from higher authorities.
Source: Twitter
The group's call comes in light of a recent decision by the Appeal Court in Abuja to overturn a previous ruling by the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.
The Tribunal's previous ruling mandated all parties involved in the November 11, 2023, governorship election case to examine the election materials used on that date collectively.
However, in response to this decision, the NIDDJ's coordinator, Ambassador Nureeddeen Musa Sadiq, stated in Abuja on Monday, March 4, expressing surprise at the recent judgement overturning the Tribunal's earlier ruling on the inspection of materials.
The statement highlighted concerns that this is the first instance in recent years where an appellate court has intervened in the functions of a tribunal, potentially disrupting its customary duties.
Fear of compromised judicial process
The fear expressed is that if such unchecked interference persists, it could jeopardize the integrity of the judiciary and the nation.
Referring to remarks made by Mr. Isaiah Ijele, the group stated that all parties involved in the Tribunal case had agreed to begin inspections on January 4th, 2024.
However, on January 1st, 2024, J B Daudu SAN stated that he had received instructions from Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo not to participate in the inspection, citing that he had yet to be personally served with the inspection orders.
Investigations revealed that Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka and the Social Democratic Party had instructed their legal team to file an appeal to the Supreme Court against the orders of the Court of Appeal.
Kogi guber poll: Witnesses in election petition case reportedly abducted in Abuja
Meanwhile, an update has verified that individuals who were set to testify for the Action Alliance (AA) candidate during the Kogi gubernatorial election tribunal have reportedly been taken against their will.
The alleged abduction took place in Abuja, according to claims made by the AA candidate, Olayinka Braihmoh.
On the other hand, Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT police command, stated that she did not know about the incident.
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Source: Legit.ng
