The police in Abuja have dispersed a protest organised to demand for the resignation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Tajudeen Ariwoola.
The protesters who were heading to the supreme court to present a protest letter were blocked by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Central Area.
While making efforts at addressing journalists over their displeasure on the way and manner the CJN allegedly romance with politicians, some of the policemen that stopped the protesters quickly called for reimbursement, leading to the tear gas of the protesters that later ran helter-skelter for their lives.
The protesters gathered at unity fountain, holding placards with inscription, “Judiciary, stay away from politics”, “Go, Ariwoola, Go,” “Judicial politicians should not destroy our democracy,” “You are partisans, Awiwoola, resign now.”
The protesters under the auspices of the Coalition of Civil Societies of Nigeria (CCSN) said the alleged posture by the CJN portends a great danger to the smooth dispensation of justice in case of electoral dispute before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
Speaking to journalists before the interruption of the Police, the leader of the group, Comrade Olayinka Dada called on the CJN to resign his appointment in the interest of democracy in the country.
He said, “We are out today to save our hard-fought democracy. The journey to this point despite all imperfections and challenges is no doubt one that cost great countrymen and women their lives. Many people sacrificed their time and lost lives to enthrone this democratic order in Nigeria.
“Seeing the hard-fought democracy under threat as we are witnessing now is nonetheless a misnomer. Nigerians will resist this affront with all legitimacy of their convictions!
“A few days ago, Nigerians woke up to the reckless partisan interference of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Tajudeen Olukayode Ariwoola in a political dispute capable of making Nigerians distrust the electoral processes leading to the 2023 general elections.”
Some of the CSOs involved in the protest include Civil Society Forum of Nigeria, Nigeria Youth Development Forum, Democratic Youth Initiative, Forum for Social Justice, Movement for the Development of Democracy, Safeguard Nigeria Movement, Alliance for People’s Welfare, Forward Nigeria Movement, Human Right Crusaders, Defenders of Democracy, Democratic Rights Assembly and Voters Rights Assembly, among others.
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