In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s recent resolutions on the 2023 governorship election cases, a wave of calm has swept through the previously tension-ridden states of Kano, Ebonyi, Plateau, Bauchi, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, and Zamfara. The resolution of these cases, particularly in Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara, where concerns about political unrest ran high, has provided a much-needed reprieve. With the dismissal of appeals against incumbent governors, the legal battles have reached their conclusion, paving the way for public discourse on the matter.
In a compelling episode of the Mic On Podcast, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, shared his insights on the Supreme Court’s decisions. Okutepa commended the apex court for its responsiveness to the prevailing tensions leading up to the verdict.
He said, “I think the Supreme Court was alive to its responsibility by listening to reactions that were trending, especially in Kano.”
Okutepa stressed the importance of addressing political rascality during primary elections, emphasizing the role of the Supreme Court in upholding the sanctity of the Nigerian constitution. Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by the judiciary due to remuneration disparities, he called for the Supreme Court to prioritize constitutional principles over political considerations. Okutepa lamented the pervasive trend of judicializing every aspect of Nigerian politics, stating, “I think the time has come for the Lordships at the Supreme Court to hold the Nigerian constitution sacrosanct.”
Aligning with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s stance, Okutepa underscored the need for substantial justice to restore public confidence in the judiciary. He urged the Supreme Court to handle future cases diligently, ensuring that justice is not only served but also perceived to be served. He remarked, “Indeed, no person would have put it better to say that where justice is seen to have been substantially rendered, we as patriots and citizens will always applaud it. So, I would charge the Lordships in the Supreme Court because other cases are coming before them… “Let them again do substantial justice so that Nigerian citizens can applaud them. That will make the Nigerian people restore confidence in the judiciary.”
The podcast episode encapsulates the crucial role of the judiciary in shaping the political landscape and calls for a renewed commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the Constitution. Okutepa’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by the judiciary while emphasizing the need for unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice in the public interest.
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