Salvage Democracy, Restore Faith Of Nigerians, Northern Elders Tell Judiciary

The Northern Elders Forum ( NEF) has reminded Nigerian judiciary that Nigerians look up to it to salvage democracy and restore the faith of Nigerians over its integrity and competence in the manner it handles all election matters.

It also appealed to Nigerians to allow the judiciary to undertake its onerous responsibility of adjudicating on election matters under a peaceful atmosphere.

In a statement signed by the director publicity and advocacy of NEF, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and made available to LEADERSHIP in Abuja yesterday, the forum said party leaders should restrain spokespersons from escalating damaging languages and exchange.

The forum said it was making its position known about the elections in its sustained decision to exercise responsible vigilance over the 2023 elections, and encourage emergence of leaders under credible, free and fair elections and a peaceful transition from the current administration to the next one. 

The forum said it had followed the conduct of the elections, some of which were still being planned or  conducted and welcomed the decision of contestants who feel the elections had not met legal thresholds  of acceptability to seek  adjudication over its  credibility and settle other constitutional issues related to it.

It said it was however concerned over the rhetoric and exchanges which raise tensions and fuel negative dispositions that  threaten inter-community relations, adding that it was also concerned that leaders are not exercising enough responsibility to encourage respect for the judicial process, a key element of the electoral process.