Group Urges Kano NNPP to Stop Intimidating Judges and Prepare for Another Election in 4 Years
ABUJA/Nigeria: In the aftermath of the recent Tribunal verdict that ousted Governor Abba Yusuf in Kano state, a group known as Stand Up Nigeria (SUN) has strongly advised the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the deposed Kano state government to cease intimidating the judiciary and instead, focus on preparing for another election in the next four years.
During a press conference held in Abuja on Saturday, SUN, the group composed of Nigerian youths from various political parties and ethnic backgrounds, emphasized their belief in peaceful coexistence, the rule of law, and institutional governance.
National Coordinator of the group, Patriot Sunday Attah, commended the Honorable Justices of the Kano State Governorship election petition tribunal for delivering what he described as “a bold and sound judgment,” which led to the removal of Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf and the declaration of Dr. Nasir Gawuna as the duly elected Governor of Kano State.
Attah stressed the significance of this judgment as a deterrent to politicians who flout electoral laws and turn elections into a life-or-death struggle. He stated, “You don’t have to intimidate the judiciary or incite conflict because you lose an election. The tenure is four years, after which fresh elections will be conducted.”
He further urged politicians to prepare themselves for future contests instead of sponsoring campaigns to smear the reputation of highly respected Justices of the election petition tribunal and intimidate Appeal Court Judges in an attempt to overturn a sound judgment.
Attah also noted the diversity of Kano and emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, stating, “Kano has an International market, making it a home to all Nigerians irrespective of religion and tribe. Kano indigenes are also scattered in other States of the Federation without fear of molestation. No one has a monopoly on violence.”
He called upon all Nigerians to encourage and support the Judges as they deliver critical judgments that strengthen democracy.
Addressing the threats made by NNPP and its supporters, Attah stated, “The NNPP and its government must publicly retract the violent threats issued by its supporters, including a Commissioner under Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf.”
He expressed concern about the depth of intimidation faced by judicial officers, saying, “Here is a man ordinarily referred to as Honourable Commissioner, so, where is the Honourable? It shows how deeply the NNPP may have gone in terms of intimidating judicial officers secretly before it was made public.”
Regarding the alleged intimidation of Appeal Court Judges, Attah urged the Justices to stand firm on the path of justice, despite attempts to bully them.
In conclusion, Attah referenced a similar judgment in Edo State, where the election petition tribunal nullified the election of Senator Osunbor of the Peoples Democratic Party, declaring Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria as the winner. He condemned NNPP’s leadership for threatening judges and the peace of Kano State and cautioned against intimidating the judiciary, which he said would result in a miscarriage of justice.
The group expressed gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing an enabling environment for the judiciary to operate without interference.
