The Organisation for Community Civic Engagement, a non-government organisation, has described peaceful reactions by Nigerians as an indication that Nigerian democracy is maturing.
This was made in a press statement issued, signed, and made available to the Tribune Online in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, by the Executive Director of the organisation, Comrade Abdul’aziz Alkali, who commended Nigerians’ conduct and attitude in accordance with the provisions of the constitution allowing the right of association and freedom of expression.
The executive director said the judges and parties involved during and after court proceedings had demonstrated a high level of dignity and professionalism
Comrade Abdul’aziz Alkali noted that the development was an indication of the strengthening of democracy and the confirmation of the independence of the National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the court judgement that upheld the electoral victory of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu would go a long way in upholding Nigeria’s democracy and strengthening the independence of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group commended the five presiding Judges, members of the Bar from both complainants and defendants and members on the bench for their demonstration of professionalism in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian constitution and laws of the land.
The executive director explained that in every contest there would be a winner and a loser, and “it is unfortunate how some supporters of those who lost in court alleged blackmailing and threatening the peace of the nation through unguided comment and untraceable actions against judges and some highly well-meaning Nigerians”.
“One would wonder whether these actors and their supporters are interested in the collective interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. It is unfortunate that these actors cannot learn from their fast actions of using economic, ethnic, and religious blackmail to ascend to power, which is continuing.”.
He emphasised that it was vitally important for Nigerians as citizens not to allow politicians and criminals to exploit our vulnerabilities and current economic difficulties to lead us into an unimaginable crisis that would bring this country on its knees, adding that at the end of the day, the citizens and common men, who were the majority in the population, would bear the consequences of those crises.
He stated further that the PEPT verdict was not final and that the petitioners had a right to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
“Politicians should understand in clear terms that the only option for them to seek redress is through the judicial system as laid down by our constitution”, he counselled.
Alkali maintained that It was, therefore, critical for well-meaning Nigerians and lawyers to speak up and uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.
“We should be careful of the possible repercussions that will befall us as a nation if we allow such elements to trash and destroy the image and confidence of our judiciary through their dubiously crafted lies and blackmail”, he concluded.
