I am highly disappointed in and utterly discombobulated, to say a word again, about the judiciary of Nigeria. What is happening through the judicial system, constitutionalism and rule of law itself in Nigeria is bogglingly appalling.
Many have been saying that the judiciary is the last and only hope for the common man. But in Nigeria, that is not the case. The judiciary, which ought to be the independent body for the protection of the will of the citizens, has become an instrument of oppression used by the higher class citizens.
People have completely become reluctant and hopeless to even get themselves in any issue that may require judicial intervention. Because, the system only favours and works for the political honchos, scoundrels, and anyone with a token to offer. It’s very unfortunate.
What happened yesterday in Kano is enough to tell you that Nigeria is no longer a democratic state where the judiciary functions or operates to protect the will of the citizens and ensure that human rights are valued, guaranteed, and protected by the authority.
I said this without mincing words because no one can deductively or soberly convince me that the process of the “case hearing” which led to the funny declaration of Nasiru Gawuna of APC as the new governor is conducted impartially and fairly.
I am not a legal practitioner, but I read a bit about “constitutionalism” or law as an academic enterprise. Moreso, I followed and carefully examined the process that brought Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to power, and found no violation of the Electoral Act as amended by INEC or the constitutional provisions. Governor Yusuf was massively supported and legitimately voted by the teaming Kano citizens whose democratic choice is now at stake of being robbed.
This is not, however, the first time that the Kano people’s democratic rights have been undermined. Something similar to this occurred in 2019 and the rest is history. They now came to repeat it.
On the other side, I can see that some irresponsible individuals have been gloating since yesterday’s judicial banditry, thinking that they are harming anyone for political affiliation. To remind those ignoramuses, laughing or celebrating the injustice against someone is karma. It may some day turn back and deal with you as well.
We all believe that Abba Kabir Yusuf has won the election and, most importantly, has started to implement mass-friendly policies to revive the glory of Kano State. But because some Abuja residing demagogues have interest, that’s why they have done all they could and followed illegitimate processes with their inconsequential evidence to rob the people’s mandate.
I am sincerely becoming more reluctant and spiritually hopeless about whether or not Nigeria can be better because, with this kind of judicial roguishness, I don’t think the citizens of Nigeria are different from ‘animals’ in the wild.
Different political thinkers have argued that where there is unfairness, injustice, or oppression, the judiciary stands to be the last hope. But here in Nigeria, the political honchos use the said judiciary to rob whatever they want and at whatever time. And none of the principles of the Rule of Law as prescribed by Professor A.V. Dicey is being regarded in Nigeria.
This also surmised the reason why some Nigerians are exasperatingly praying for military intervention (coup) to occur in today’s Nigeria. People have become very hopeless and helpless.
Meanwhile, the people of Kano are in poignant grief since yesterday’s illegitimate and groundless decision of the election tribunal. It’s as if the whole Kano is in pain of what happened. Because every compos mentis living in Kano, not alone NNPP or Kwankwasiyya member, senses no justice or fairness in the said verdict of the tribunal.
Nevertheless, I suggest that the people of Kano who are emotionally mystified with what happened find solace in their minds and continue to pray. For, the latest verdict of the tribunal must be challenged in the Court of Appeal. Curiously. That’s the essence of hierarchical configurations in the judiciary. One can seek redress if one is not satisfied with the decision or judgment delivered. Hopefully, things will be not the same.
I also commend the intensive efforts, concern and caring manner of the entire Kano citizens for standing to collectively condemn this act of judicial cruelty against them. The kind of reactions and pro-reactions I came across yesterday on social media shows that Kano people are worried about that unfortunate development.
As of now, the preparations are in place. Another strong legal team is set to head to the Court of Appeal to challenge the tangential, inconsequential, weak, jaded and prejudiced judgment delivered by the tribunal to nullify the victory of Governor Abba Yusuf in favour of Nasiru Gawuna. This judgment must not be just, and therefore will hopefully be reviewed in the higher judicial chambers.
* Tariwa writes from Kano
