CSOs Commend Tinubu’s ‘Neutrality’ in Supreme Court Verdicts

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Nigeria for Peace, has commended President Bola Tinubu for not interfering in the recent verdicts of the Supreme Court which overturned some controversial judgments earlier delivered by the courts of appeal.

The CSOs which described themselves as patriotic individuals and peace building practitioners across Nigeria, said they strongly believe in the oneness, unity, peace and security of the Nigerian state at all cost.

They commended Tinubu for toeing the line of justice instead of playing politics with the peace and unity of Nigeria.

The open letter to Tinubu which was jointly signed by the convener, Ibrahim Waiya and co-convener, Chief Mulade Sheriff, said Tinubu acted in a neutral manner in all elections appeal cases.

The group also applauded the Supreme Court justices led by Justice John Okoro for saving the country from imminent political conflicts and salvaging the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.

The CSOs letter read: “On behalf of the peace-loving citizens and democrats, we commend you for your outstanding demonstration of nationalism, patriotism, and democratic culture by remaining neutral in all the election cases in the Supreme Court, especially those involving states won by opposition parties.

“This has not only proved that you are a true democrat, a patriotic and selfless leader but also a leader who believes in the national interest above partisan and selfish interest.”

While reminding the president of past events, the CSOs said there were many election appeal cases before the Supreme Court, which originated from election tribunals and graduated to the appeal courts, mostly challenging the judgments against some governors who were declared winners by INEC, especially in some opposition states.

The coalition said: “The cases created tension and fear capable of igniting crises if justice was not served. Indeed, we commend your resilience for supporting all efforts aimed at  upholding democratic best practices which emphasise the recognition of the people’s mandate.

“We equally acknowledge the steadfastness of our respected justices at the Supreme Court for demonstrating patriotism, and for not allowing themselves to be used to suppress the will and mandate of the Nigerian citizens.

“This singular effort has helped to restore the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, avert potential political conflicts and chaos in the affected states, and across the country, as well proved that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and indeed the temple of justice.

While congratulating the governors on their victory, the CSOs implored them to collaborate with the Tinubu-led federal government to revamp the nation’s economy.

It also urged the governors to critically address the security challenges confronting the nation, poverty, as well as focus more on developmental projects that will impact positively on the lives of the people in their respective states.

“It is imperative to suggest to our governors to run an all-inclusive government, by extending a hand of fellowship to the opposition where necessary.

“We equally wish to  recognise the commitment of the security agencies and other stakeholders for their show of patriotism, and for meticulously discharging their duties during the turbulent period of anxiety and frustration in the country,” the CSOs added.