By Oriri Peter
Following the multiple judgements of the Supreme Court which affirmed the Governorship elections in eight states that has elicited mixed reactions, a Peoples’ Democratic Party chieftain and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. TeeJay Yusuf, has commended the Justices of the apex court for toeing the path of truth, fairness and credibility, and eulogising President Bola Tinubu for his principled stance on the matters.
In a statement issued Saturday in Abuja, Yusuf, who represented Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency for three-terms declared that, “the judgements are not only historic and significant but also offers a new dawn for sincere, truthful democratic journey. One must commend the Justices of the Supreme Court for demonstrating unbridled courage, and unflinching strength of character in giving fearless judgements which signifies triumph of democracy and gives hope to Nigerians.”
Yusuf also commended Tinubu for allowing the apex court to do it’s work without any thread of coercion or intimidation as was the case in the past, “politics aside, Tinubu deserves fitting commendation and applause for not interfering in the cases but rather giving the Supreme Court requisite freedom to do it’s work diligently and truthfully. By ensuring that the judiciary stays independent, the Justices delivered judgements that was largely accepted by people. By his stance of non-interference, Tinubu elevated his status as a democrat, and patriotic Nigerian. As I hail Tinubu for rising above partisanship in these cases, I want to encourage him to remain steadfast, non-partial, and nationalistic in all matters and issues during his tenure.”
While regretting the attitudes and judgements delivered by some judges at lower courts which brought the judiciary to disrepute, Yusuf declared that, “controversial pronouncements and rulings by some judges didn’t only question the impartiality status of the judiciary but largely diminished the respect, honour, and integrity of the judiciary. There were brazen miscarriage of justice, and unsubstantiated, unconvincing judgements which impugned on the ratings of the judiciary as the hope of the ordinary Nigerian.”
Concluding Yusuf said, “one is happy that the Supreme Court, through these Justices has redeemed the sagging reputation and dwindling image of the third arm of government. By giving pro-people judgements in each of these governorship cases, the apex court is emplacing fresh lease of believability and confidence in the Judiciary. It is expected that other layers of the judicial arm of government will follow the trend. One hopes that they will wake up to this reality to prevent further vilifying and criticisms by the citizenry.”
