Politics
FIFTY civil society organisations, CSOs, have cautioned the Supreme Court against postponing the lingering case arising from the 2019 governorship election.
The CSOs made this known in a statement on Monday, October 23, signed by Polycarp Ufere, national coordinator of the CSOs.
The statement reads:
“It has come to the attention of the Citizens for Democracy and Justice (CDJ) that there are clandestine attempts to postpone the date for hearing of the suit pending at the Supreme Court over the 2019 governorship election in Imo State, filed by the All People’s Party, APP, and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, slated for 31st of October, 2023.
“The fact that it took the Supreme Court over three years to list the matter for hearing remains a source of worry to all well meaning Nigerians.
“Now that it’s been fixed for 31st October, 2023, we are shocked to be informed of clandestine moves to move the date further, to suit the interest of some rogue politicians who, according to sources have moved to compromise the system.
“We have it on good authority that some persons within the ranks of the Supreme Court have been hired to frustrate the matter further, by ensuring that it is further delayed.
“Our sources further hinted that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, may not be in the know, as the individuals involved have concluded plans to change the date, before going to the CJN with tales of why it had to be postponed.
“It is no longer news that the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed November 11 2023 for governorship election in Imo State. To imagine that we are still talking about litigation arising from the 2019 election, nearly four years after, is to say the least, shameful.
“Changing the date of the hearing and final determination of the matter, beyond 31st October will not be in the interest of anyone.
“It is in the interest of justice, fairness, electoral jurisprudence and indeed the survival of our democracy that the date is not moved any further.
“As we are aware that the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria may not be in the know of the efforts of some compromised powerful persons within the Supreme Court to cast a slur on the integrity of the Apex Court, we hereby draw his attention to the move.
“We therefore demand that, in the interest of justice, this matter be heard and determined once and for all, when the beneficiaries will enjoy the fruits of justice and not when it becomes mere academic exercise.
“We hereby call on the CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to immediately intervene, to ensure that the corrupt persons within the system do not have their way.
“It is important that this matter is resolved as soon as possible.
“The already scheduled date – October 31st, 2023 must be allowed to stand.
“Civil Society and other pro democracy organisations shall resist any attempt to move this date.
“Which ever way it goes, let the Supreme Court take the final decision on this matter, as already fixed for the 31st of October and duly communicated to the parties involved.
“Our democracy and the future of our dear country are more paramount at this time than the interest of a few.
“Citizens for Democracy and Justice (CDJ) is a coalition of over 50 civil society organizations in Nigeria.”
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October 22, 2023 @ 10:10 GMT|
Tags: Polycarp Ufere
