Let Nigeria Win At Tribunal, Group Tells PEPC Judges

A civil society group, Free Nigeria Movement (FNM) yesterday called on the judges at the ongoing Presidential Election Petition Court. ( PEPC) to uphold their integrity in defence of the dignity of Nigeria in all their decisions.

They said that the onus has lied on the judiciary to save the country and deliver justice that will let Nigeria at the tribunal.

Convener of the group, Dr Moses Paul at a briefing with journalists in Abuja insisted that the courts must never be used as an instrument to fuel the desperation of politicians and their surrogates but allow truth and justice prevail to save Nigeria from collapse.

Dr Moses stressed that the processes of litigation must demonstrate to Nigerians that their voice is in courtrooms but not only on the street and as a group, they will continue to demand for the right thing to be done to save democracy and nation from collapse, including walls of tolerance, cohesion and inclusion turn during the 2023 general elections be rebuilt.

On the case of double nomination of the Vice President-elect, Kashim Ibrahim Shettima, the group maintained that the Supreme Court must be heard for all its merits in the law and if found culpable, he should face the full weight if the law.

He also expressed concerns over attempts to deny the APC access to electoral materials in Delta State and described it as most disgraceful and unfortunate.

Speaking further, Dr Moses renewed call for the sack, arrest and prosecution of the INEC chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu; cancellation of the presidential election; establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Committee for national healing, and compensation of all Nigerians affect by electoral violence.

He said, “The judiciary in Nigeria, as we believe, is on the cause of redemption to expunge all forms of public doubt and suspicion of trading justice in our courts. The role of the judges of the Presidential Election Petition Court come to mind. Like Nigeria, they stand at a historical crossroad, their actions and inactions portend great impact on the nation.

While we accept the modus of facts and application of relevant laws to same by the judges, we call on them to uphold their integrity to defend the dignity of our country in all their decisions. They are humans and Nigerians. They feel the pains of all Nigerians irrespective of how high their placement in society may be. So, they must understand that whatever decision they arrive at, the gains or pains will go round”.

“We call on the family members, communities, religious leaders, friends, associates, and colleagues of the judges to insist that they do the right thing. The integrity of the judiciary must be upheld in all decisions and the processes must be transparent. That is what Nigerians will accept. Anything other than this will amount to an installment by the judiciary. We cannot afford to have this especially for the office of the President.

We must insist on truth and justice for that is how to save any society from collapse. We call on the judges to let Nigeria win”,he added.