Mixed reactions trail Supreme Court rulings on Governorship election cases
Some Nigerians in the streets of Calabar are expressing mixed reactions following the recent Supreme Court judgment in the highly contested March 18th, 2023 Governorship Elections in some states.
The apex court made a significant decision to return all mandates to the previously announced winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite allegations of irregularities and inconclusive outcomes raised by the Election Petition Tribunal Court and Appeal Courts.
Those in support of the Supreme Court’s judgment believe that preserving the outcomes initially determined by INEC is crucial to maintaining political stability. They argue that overturning the results could lead to a cycle of endless appeals, resulting in a lack of governance and developmental progress in the affected states.
They praise the court for its ability to settle the matter definitively, allowing winners to focus on fulfilling campaign promises and serving their constituents.
Musa Ibrahim, a citizen of Sokoto state, a businessman, resident in Calabar, and Deputy Youth Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the Cross River State Chapter, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the judgment. He emphasized that his joy transcends beyond party affiliation as he sees it as a victory for the Nigerian people and the democratic process.
He said, “I am thrilled, very delighted, and happy, respective of my party affiliation, the judgment by the Supreme Court in Kano and every other affected state I wish to state that we are beginning to get confident in the ability of the Judiciary to rewrite the wrong of the past, and I hope Nigerian people will begin to build their confidence on the Judiciary”
“If the Judiciary will continue this way, I think Nigerians will begin to witness the real rebirth of their fatherland where every vote will count”
“In recent years, there have been concerns regarding the credibility of Nigeria’s elections and the impartiality of the judiciary. Many citizens have lost faith in the system due to allegations of electoral fraud and the feeling that certain political interests are favoured over others. However, the recent judgment in Kano, Cross River, Benue, Plateau states, and other states has instilled a sense of confidence in the judiciary’s ability to rectify past injustices”
Musa’s optimism stems from his belief that the judiciary has the power to correct the wrongs of the past and ensure that every vote counts.
“I strongly hope that this will mark the beginning of a new era for Nigeria, where the rule of law prevails, and the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of elections”
The Kano State governorship election was closely contested, with various political parties vying for power. The Supreme Court’s judgment, which favoured Musa’s party, is a monumental turning point in the state’s political landscape.
“It sends a strong message that the judiciary is committed to upholding justice and fairness, regardless of political affiliations”
Another member of the Hausa community in Calabar, Kareem Husman says, “The current governorship election judgment by the Supreme Court in some states have sent a very strong message that the Judiciary is committed to upholding justice and fairness regardless of any individual political affiliation or highly place”
Husman’s sentiments resonate with many Nigerians who have been yearning for a transparent and credible electoral process in the country.
“I am very optimistic that judiciary will from now on play a very crucial role in ensuring that elections are free and fair, and the recent judgment has renewed hope in this fundamental pillar of our democratic process”
“It is important to note that this judgment is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and promote transparency in the electoral process” Husman stressed.
On his part, Mr. Bassey Ikang, a legal practitioner also commended the Supreme Court judges for their unbiased judgment saying “The Supreme Court’s decision to return the mandates to the rightful winners in Kano, Benue, Plateau, and Cross River state serves as a precedent for future cases and reinforces the importance of the rule of law”
“In my own opinion, I think moving forward, the judiciary must maintain its independence and impartiality to build on this newfound confidence. There is a need for continuous efforts to enhance the credibility of elections, address allegations of electoral fraud, and ensure that every vote counts” Barr. Ikang maintained.
Another person who spoke, Chief Mrs Effiwatt Ani opined that, “The renewed faith in the judiciary should not be taken for granted. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in upholding justice”
She further stated, “As Nigerians, we are now beginning to regain our confidence in the judiciary, the government and relevant stakeholders must support and protect this vital institution”
“Supreme Court’s judgment in Kano, Cross River Benue, and Plateau State governorship election has given the entire Nigerians, a renewed sense of confidence in the judiciary. It serves as a reminder that the rule of law prevails and that every vote counts” said by civil servant who would not want his name mentioned in the news.
“This milestone should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions, ensuring that future elections are transparent, credible, and reflective of the will of the people”
The Nigerian people are hopeful that this is the beginning of a new era, where justice and fairness prevail in the democratic process.
