Rise up Nigeria calls for the safety of judicial officials and observance of the law

The pro-democracy organization known as Stand Up Nigeria (SUN) has issued a plea to the relevant authorities to ensure the safeguarding of judicial personnel within the nation. During a news conference held in Abuja, Patriot Sunday Attah, the National Coordinator of the group, urged individuals who are discontented with the verdicts rendered by the election petition tribunals in Nigeria to pursue lawful avenues in order to redress their issues.

A collective entity responded to the recent assaults on the judiciary both prior to and subsequent to the ruling made by the Tribunal, which invalidated the triumph of Governor Abba Yusuf in the Kano Governorship election.

The group urges the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to accept the judgement with a sense of integrity and sincerity. Additionally, the group cautions against engaging in any actions that may potentially disrupt the peaceful environment in Kano state.

As per the collective, the verdict acts as a deterrence for politicians who propose electoral legislation and transform elections into high-stakes endeavors. Repeatedly, we have issued warnings to politicians, urging them to dissuade their supporters from engaging in electoral fraud and acts of violence. This is crucial as democracy fundamentally embodies a system of governance wherein the authority lies with the citizenry, for the citizenry, and by the citizenry.

He expressed that resorting to intimidation of the judges or inciting conflict is unnecessary in the event of electoral defeat. The tenure of office spans a duration of four years, following which a new round of elections will be held.

One may choose to engage in another electoral contest instead of resorting to the practice of financially supporting individuals to exert pressure on esteemed Justices of the election petition tribunal and intimidate the Judges of the Appeal Court, all with the aim of overturning a well-founded verdict that has already been rendered.

It is acknowledged that Kano possesses an International market, hence serving as a unifying space for all Nigerians, regardless of their religious or tribal affiliations. Kano indigenes are also dispersed in various states of the Federation without apprehension of harassment. The concept of a monopoly on violence is not exclusive to any particular entity.

It is imperative that all Nigerians provide encouragement and support to the Judges as they provide significant judgments that will enhance the robustness of our democratic system.

The NNPP and its government should publicly disavow the violent threat made by its supporters, including a Commissioner under Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The individual in question is commonly addressed as “Honourable Commissioner.” However, it is unclear as to what justifies the use of the honorific “Honourable.” This observation highlights the extent to which the NNPP likely engaged in covert intimidation of court personnel prior to its public disclosure.

It is our contention that the current acts of intimidation and threats are specifically directed towards the judges of the Appellate Court, with the intention of coercing them using intimidation tactics.

We implored the esteemed Justices of the Appeal Court to resist yielding to their capricious tendencies and instead consistently uphold the principles of justice. We have expressed our commitment to support the judiciary and contribute to the preservation of the institution as long as it continues to uphold the principles of justice.

In the context of the Edo State election petition tribunal, a comparable ruling resulted in the nullification of Senator Osunbor’s election from the Peoples Democratic Party, and the declaration of Adams Oshiomhole from the Action Congress of Nigeria as the victor. The tribunal expressed its disapproval of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leadership, who have engaged in acts of intimidation towards the judges and overall peace in Kano State through their supporters. It is important for the NNPP to recognize that attempting to coerce the judiciary into favoring their position would constitute a miscarriage of justice.

The group expressed gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating a conducive atmosphere that allows the judiciary to function without undue influence.