By Abubakar Yunusa
The Murtala Yakubu Ajaka Campaign Council of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly condemned the Kogi State Government’s untimely celebration of the gubernatorial case, describing it as a blatant attempt to influence the judiciary and subvert the course of justice.
In a press statement released on Thursday, August 8th, 2024, the campaign council expressed outrage over senior appointees and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) taking to social media to celebrate a purported victory, despite the Supreme Court yet to commence its sitting on the matter.
“This is not the first time we have seen this kind of brazen disregard for the judicial process,” said Isaiah Ijele Davies, Spokesperson for the MURI/Sam Campaign Council.
“We recall how the tribunal judgment and the Court of Appeal proceedings were leaked to the public and reported by mainstream media before the court even resumed sitting on the day of judgment. This is unacceptable and we will not stand for it.”
The campaign council alleged that the Kogi State Government has been using state treasury funds to influence the judiciary and secure a favorable outcome in the case.
“We have evidence of significant cash withdrawals from the state’s coffers to finance their court case against the SDP,” Davies said.
“We call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate these allegations and bring those responsible to justice.”
The SDP campaign council also rejected the current panel setup for the Supreme Court case, urging the National Judicial Council to ensure a thorough and transparent process in selecting judges for the Kogi State case.
“We cannot trust the current panel to deliver a fair and impartial judgment,” Davies said. “We demand a fresh panel that will uphold the integrity of the judiciary and protect the rights of the good people of Kogi State.”
The campaign council vowed to continue monitoring events and exposing any wrongdoing, emphasizing the need for a fair and just outcome in the gubernatorial case.
“We have confidence in the Supreme Court to uphold justice and maintain public confidence in the judiciary’s ability to deliver impartial and well-reasoned judgments,” Davies said. “But we will not hesitate to speak out against any attempts to subvert the course of justice.”
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