Nafiu Bala: Don’t truncate democracy, Timi Frank warns Judiciary
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has asked the judiciary not to deliver judgments capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process. Frank, who spoke amid ongoing legal disputes involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its erstwhile deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, expressed concern over what he […]
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has asked the judiciary not to deliver judgments capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
Frank, who spoke amid ongoing legal disputes involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its erstwhile deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, expressed concern over what he described as attempts to deploy the judiciary against opposition political parties ahead of future elections.
He called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the National Judicial Council (NJC), judges of the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court to uphold the independence of the judiciary and resist pressure from politicians.
Frank said judicial decisions in politically sensitive cases must be guided strictly by the law, and not partisan considerations.
“The Chief Judge and all judges of the Federal High Court, as well as judges across the country, should be cautious in the way they handle political and other sensitive cases at this time. They should be careful because the international community is watching and paying attention,” Frank said.
The political activist specifically referenced legal battles involving ADC and ex-deputy national vice chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, alleging that efforts were being made to secure court orders capable of weakening the Senator David Mark-led opposition ADC and restricting its participation in the democratic process.
He claimed to be aware of subterranean moves to blackmail and intimidate the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court with corruption allegations over the ADC suit.
He, however, warned that any such move would be resisted by well-meaning Nigerians towards sustaining and preserving democracy in the country.
He urged judges handling such matters to ensure justice is dispensed without fear or favour, warning that any judgment perceived as politically motivated could damage public confidence in the judiciary.
“If they are not aware, I am reminding them that the international community is monitoring what is happening in Nigeria, including what many perceive as fraudulent judgments. There will be consequences and actions against those involved,” he stated in the statement.
He further alleged that judicial officers who aid attempts to derail democracy through questionable rulings could face sanctions from foreign governments and international institutions.