No Apologies for Refusing to Do Politicians' Bidding, Says Outgoing CJN

‎Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on Thursday said he had no apologies for refusing to do the bidding of politicians who wanted to intimidate the
judiciary.

He spoke in Abuja at a valedictory court session held for him by the Supreme Court to mark his exit from the bench‎.

He said the nation owed the judiciary a debt of gratitude for standing firm in the face of contrary winds that threatened to blow the country’s democracy off course.

According to him, it took the steadfastness of the judiciary to avert a replay of what happened during the June 12, 1993 during last year’s general election.

He said: “During the run up to the 2015 elections, our Judicial Officers withstood immense pressure in order to guarantee a level playing field and smooth transition of Government, which ensured that we were spared a re-enactment of the June 12 saga.

“In fact, the courts, thus securing the electoral process, disallowed so many frivolous matters aimed at truncating the electoral process.

“I must particularly commend the Supreme Court for refusing to be intimidated or influenced by any candidate or political party, and I make no apologies for the firm stand that we took in our decisions.

“I am proud to be a part of the Supreme Court which refused to be cowered into truncating the electoral process. I am proud to have headed this noble Arm of Government and steering it through some very stormy waters. I am proud of the Nigerian Judiciary.‎”