Coalition Faults Appeal Court Judgement Sacking Gov Yusuf

A Coalition Of 20 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Pro-democracy Organizations in the Southwestern part of Nigeria, has faulted the verdict of the Court of Appeal that sacked the governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf. Recall that the appellate Court in its judgement, ordered the governor to vacate office and declared the candidate of the […]

A Coalition Of 20 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Pro-democracy Organizations in the Southwestern part of Nigeria, has faulted the verdict of the Court of Appeal that sacked the governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf.

Recall that the appellate Court in its judgement, ordered the governor to vacate office and declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, rightful winner of the March 18 governorship election in the State.

The coalition said the judgement was against the principle of democracy upon which the nation was founded.

The groups include Yoruba Youth Network (YYN); South West Blossom Brigade (SBB); Odua Youth Frontiers (OYF); Yoruba Youth Empowerment Forum (YYEF); Voice of Yoruba Youths (VOYY); Odua Progressive People Assembly (OPPA) and fourteen other youth organizations, ngos and CSOs.

Razak Olukayode, who spoke on behalf of the Coalition at a press briefing in Abuja, called on the Supreme Court to set aside the judgement of the Appeal Court and restore the mandate of the people of Kano State freely given to Governor Yusuf.

Olukayode said: “The Supreme Court, as the highest judicial authority in Nigeria, has the responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary. By conducting a thorough review of these rulings, the Supreme Court can demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.

“By rectifying any potential errors and ensuring that justice is served, the Supreme Court can reaffirm its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the principles of justice and fairness within the Nigerian democratic system. The judiciary should exercise caution and impartiality when making decisions that impact the democratic process.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act as a true statesman and renowned democrat by upholding the principles of separation of powers, particularly the independence of the judiciary.

“By allowing the free, fair, and uninterrupted application of justice, President Tinubu will demonstrate his commitment to the rule of law and ensure the continued strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It is crucial for him to avoid any interference with the course of justice, keeping in mind that he himself has benefited from fair judicial adjudication.”