In a startling revelation, Phrank Shaibu, the Particular Assistant on Public Communication to the Peoples Democratic Occasion (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the previous Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, of interfering with the judicial course of because the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal nears its conclusion.
Shaibu, in a strongly worded assertion, expressed his concern over the actions of Wike and Makinde, alleging that they’ve been consistently monitoring judges and trying to affect their selections. He identified that the 2 governors lately traveled to Plateau State to attend a memorial service hosted by the President of the Enchantment Court docket, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, regardless that they had been reportedly not invited.
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In response to Shaibu, the occasion was meant to be a solemn service, however the presence of Wike and Makinde turned it right into a spectacle. He accused Wike of utilizing doubtful means to ascertain connections with judges, going so far as giving them items below the guise of welfare. Shaibu prompt that Wike’s attendance on the occasion hosted by the Enchantment Court docket President might be one other try to affect the appellate court docket, the place the present tribunal judges are from.
Drawing consideration to a earlier incident, Shaibu highlighted a press release made by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, a number of months in the past. Ariwoola had expressed his happiness that Governor Makinde was a member of the renegade governors often called the G5. This slip of the tongue raised suspicions concerning the impartiality of the Chief Justice.
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Shaibu additional emphasised that Wike and Makinde had been gatecrashers on the occasion in Plateau State, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State being the one invited governor. He accused the duo of trying to impress their paymaster by cozying as much as judges. Shaibu additionally raised issues concerning the CJN’s integrity, stating that his shut affiliation with Governor Makinde and rumors of a kinsman of the CJN changing into the subsequent attorney-general might doubtlessly manipulate the result of the election petition tribunal.
Whereas these allegations haven’t been confirmed, Shaibu argued that the actions of Wike, Makinde, and the CJN have raised doubts concerning the integrity of the judiciary and the equity of the continued election petition tribunal. He referred to as for an intensive investigation into these claims to make sure that justice is served and the credibility of the judicial system is upheld.
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The PDP aide’s accusations have sparked a wave of controversy, with many questioning the motives behind Wike and Makinde’s actions. The judiciary performs a vital function in upholding democracy, and any interference or manipulation of the judicial course of is a trigger for concern.
Because the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal nears its conclusion, it’s crucial that the judges stay neutral and make selections primarily based solely on the proof offered earlier than them. The allegations made by Shaibu function a reminder that the integrity of the judiciary have to be protected in any respect prices.
The PDP, as the principle opposition occasion, has a accountability to boost issues about any potential interference within the electoral course of. It’s now as much as the related authorities to analyze these allegations and be certain that justice prevails.
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In conclusion, the accusations made by Phrank Shaibu in opposition to Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde are critical and demand rapid consideration. The judiciary should stay impartial and free from any exterior affect to uphold the rules of justice and democracy. Because the election petition tribunal reaches its ultimate phases, the eyes of the nation are on the judges to make sure a good and unbiased determination. The result of this tribunal may have far-reaching implications for the way forward for Nigerian democracy.