By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Organization for Community Civic Engagement in Nigeria has commended Nigerians over their peaceful reaction after the verdict by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).
The executive director of the Organization in Nigeria, Comrade Abdul’aziz Alkali made the commendation while reacting on the recent judgement by Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
He indicated that the conduct of the judges and parties involved in the court proceedings were highly commendable.
Comrade Alkali noted that the development is an indication of the strengthening of democracy and confirmation of independence of the National Electoral commission (INEC).
According to him “The court judgement which upheld the electoral victory of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu will go a long way in upgrading our democracy and strengthening the independence of the electoral umpire
The group commended the effects of the five presidingral Judges, members of the Bar from both complainants and defendants, members ofthe bench for demonstration of professionalism in accordance with the provision of Nigeria constitution and laws of the land.
The executive director explained that in every contest there must be a winner and a loser “it is unfortunate how some supporters of parties that lost in the court are allegedly blackmailing and threatening the peace of the nation through unguided statements and utterances against judges and some highly well-meaning Nigerians”.
“One would wonder whether these actors and their supporters are interested in the collective interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. It is unfortunate that these actors can not learn from their past actions of using economic, ethnic and religious blackmail to grab power
He emphasized that “it is vitally important for us as citizens not to allow politicians and criminals to exploit our vulnerabilities and current economic difficulties to lead us into unimaginable crisis that will bring this country on it knees.
At the end of the day, the citizens and common man who are majority will bear the consequences of the crisis”.
He stated further that the PEPT verdict is not final, the petitioners have the right to appeal the ruling at the Supreme Court. “Politicians should understand in clear terms that the only option for them to seek redress is through the judicial system as laid down by our constitution”.
Alkali maintained that, It is therefore critical for well-meaning Nigerians and lawyers to speak up and uphold the sanctity of the judiciary. “We should be careful of the possible repercussions that will befall us as a nation if we allow such elements to rubbish and destroy the image and confidence of our judiciary through their dubiously crafted lies and blackmail”.