A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to steadfastly refrain from interfering with the judgment of the Kogi State Tribunal, upholding the principles of democracy.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the coalition insisted that justice must prevail, regardless of the consequences, in order to rectify the electoral malpractice that has tarnished the democratic process in Kogi state.
Comrade Shuaibu Abdulkadir, National President, Nigeria Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, called on the judiciary to defend the nation’s democracy with unyielding resolve, without succumbing to fear or favoritism.
He stated that the irrefutable evidence of electoral malpractice, including manipulation, over-voting, and voter inducement across Kogi State’s regions, demands redress
“We convene today to address a deeply troubling revelation: the clandestine communication unearthed from the WhatsApp exchanges among Kogi State Commissioners. These exchanges lay bare sinister plots to compromise judicial rulings in favor of the APC candidate, Alhaji Usman Ododo. The involvement of the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, casts a dark shadow over the integrity of our judicial apparatus.
“While some may be inclined to dismiss these revelations, given the dubious characters involved, we cannot afford such complacency. Bello’s fugitive status and his brazen belief in the corruptibility of all underscore the gravity of the situation. It is imperative that the judiciary rise to the occasion, unwavering in its commitment to dispense justice free from external influence.
“We unequivocally demand that the judiciary uphold the pillars of our democracy, resolute in their defense against fear and favoritism. Furthermore, we implore Alhaji Yahaya Bello to present himself before the EFCC rather than attempting to subvert the sanctity of our judicial system. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a stalwart of democratic principles, must resist any temptation to interfere with the judgment of the Kogi State Tribunal.
“Despite the potential tumult that may ensue, we steadfastly affirm that justice must prevail. The irrefutable evidence of electoral malpractice, including manipulation, over-voting, and voter inducement across Kogi State’s regions, demands redress. The charade of democracy masquerading as an election warrants scrutiny, for it undermines the very essence of our democratic ethos,” he said.
The coalition expressed optimism that justice will triumph, heralding a brighter future for Kogi State and the entirety of Nigeria.
