A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), The Nigeria for Peace (N4P), has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the aftermath of the supreme court judgements, stating that his non interference in the cases have preserved peace.
According to the N4P, as patriotic individuals and peace-building practitioners across Nigeria, they strongly believe in the oneness, unity, peace, and security of the Nigerian State at all costs. They commended Tinubu for aligning with justice rather than political considerations.
The open letter to Tinubu, jointly signed by the convener, Amb Ibrahim Waiya, and co-convener, Chief Mulade Sheriff, stated that Tinubu remained neutral in all election appeal cases.
The group also applauded the Supreme Court Justices, led by Justice John Okoro, for preventing imminent political conflicts and safeguarding the integrity of the Nigerian Judiciary.
In the letter, the CSOs said, “We wish to start by congratulating you on your victory at the Supreme Court in the 2023 presidential election case. On behalf of the peace-loving citizens and democrats, we commend you for your outstanding demonstration of nationalism, patriotism, and democratic culture by remaining neutral in all the election cases in the Supreme Court, especially those involving states won by opposition parties.
“This has not only proved that you are a true democrat, a patriotic and selfless leader but also a leader who believes in the national interest above partisan and selfish interest.”
While reminding the president of past events, the CSOs said there were many election appeal cases before the Supreme Court, which originated from Election Tribunals and went to Appeal Courts, mostly challenging the judgments against some Governors who were declared winners by INEC, especially in some opposition states.
“The cases created tension and fear capable of igniting crises if justice were not served. Indeed, we commend your resilience for supporting all efforts aimed at upholding democratic best practices which emphasise the recognition of the people’s mandate.
“We equally acknowledge the steadfastness of our respected Justices at the Supreme court for demonstrating patriotism, and for not allowing themselves to be used to suppress the will and mandate of the Nigerian citizens. This singular effort has helped to restore the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, avert potential political conflicts and chaos in the affected States, and across the country, as well proved that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and indeed the temple of justice.
“The election petition judgments of 12th January, 2024, would be celebrated in the history of Nigerian democracy, as they redeemed the image of the Nigerian judiciary, and saved our democracy from collapse at a time when Nigerians have almost lost confidence in the system. It is our strong belief that the judgments of the Supreme Court in all the election petitions cases have asserted the supremacy of the Apex Court in the land, with highly learned men and women ready to make sacrifices to save our dear country, Nigeria,” the CSO said..
While congratulating the governors for their victory, the CSOs urged them to collaborate with the Tinubu-led Federal Government to revamp the nation’s economy and address security challenges, poverty, and focus on developmental projects impacting positively on the lives of the people in their respective states.
“It is imperative to suggest to our governors to run an all-inclusive government, by extending a hand of fellowship to the opposition where necessary. We equally wish to recognize the commitment of the security agencies and other stakeholders for their show of patriotism, and for meticulously discharging their duties during the turbulent period of anxiety and frustration in the country.”
