Skip to main content

Intervene in Taraba Verdict, Group Urges Chief Justice



A non-governmental organisation, Taraba Mandate Group (TMG) has tasked the National Judicial Council (NJC) to wade into the Taraba State election petition tribunal which “arbitrarily” nullified the election of Governor Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group at the weekend described the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal as a rape of democracy and a direct affront to the people of the state who voted for Ishaku.
The group in a statement signed by Gani Bako said: “As law abiding citizens of Nigeria, we are wondering why the National Judicial Council (NJC) has not found the courage to invite and prosecute the judges who almost truncated democracy at the Taraba governorship tribunal. The NJC has not deemed it fit to make a public pronouncement on the ongoing controversy.
“Is it that the NJC is satisfied with the outcome of the ruling in spite of the worldwide condemnation? Can the NJC say it has not received sufficient proof of judicial fraud from the tribunal?
Is the NJC impervious to all the cries from all over the world, especially from the good people of Taraba State over the ruling? Has the maxim “justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be manifestly done” lost its foothold in Nigeria?

“Purporting to wrest a state from a candidate who scored the highest number of votes and majority in 11 local governments, and giving it to a candidate who scored majority votes in only five local governments, stands justice on its head. Elections are won at the polling booths, not in the chambers of judges”, the statement noted.

Bako said it is strange that up till now, the NJC has remained aloof on this matter. “If a citizen of a governor’s status can petition this body to act and it has ignored the call, then something is wrong somewhere. Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti recently urged the NJC to prosecute the judges who brought much shame to the profession but mum has been the word from them. Is it that the NJC is endorsing what the funny tribunal did? Are they satisfied that the judges gave a good account of themselves?
“The NJC should know that all eyes are on it. And if they have any sense of history, the agency knows that it ought to live up to its name. Charity begins at home but it certainly does not end there. The NJC ought to have shown some interest in a verdict that has generated so much global condemnation.
“In view of all of these, it is therefore, curious that the NJC would not even acknowledge receipts of complaints from all around the world. And for an agency like that to play the ostrich at such a critical time is unfortunate to say the least”, the group added.
It called on the NJC to do the needful and help in restoring faith and hope, stating that its current standoffish policy is doing it no good, because of  its history, credibility and name  transcends centuries of  uncompromising judicial practice, should therefore stop this charade and felony because it has a name and reputation to protect.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Taraba State University Joins ASUU Ultimatum to 21 Universities Over 2025 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) chapter, has joined 20 other state-owned universities placed on a 14-day ultimatum over the alleged non-implementation of key provisions of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement. The ultimatum was issued following resolutions reached at ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja, where the union expressed concern over what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the agreement. ASUU warned that the affected universities could face industrial action if the outstanding issues are not resolved within the 14-day window. The union authorised the affected branches to begin formal processes for strike action should their respective university authorities fail to address the issues. Taraba State University, Jalingo, was specifically listed among the 21 universities affected by the directive. Other institutions on the list include Nasarawa State Universit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Truck Drivers Block Jalingo–Zing–Yola Road Following Dispute at NDLEA Checkpoint

Taraba Facts Truck drivers have reportedly blocked the Jalingo–Zing–Yola road following a disagreement with a soldier at an NDLEA checkpoint last night. The incident has disrupted movement along the major highway, leaving motorists and other road users stranded. As of Thursday morning, the road remains blocked, with the situation reportedly affecting the free movement of vehicles along the route. The circumstances surrounding the disagreement between the truck drivers and the security personnel remain unclear. Residents and road users are calling on relevant authorities to urgently intervene, investigate the incident and resolve the dispute to restore normal traffic. Authorities are also urged to ensure that the matter is properly addressed and that the safety and movement of commuters along the busy route are not further compromised.
Post a Comment
Read more

Taraba Begins ₦5,000 Deduction for Teachers’ Permanent Identity Cards

The Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (TSUBEB) has initiated a ₦5,000 deduction from teachers as part of arrangements for the production of Permanent Identity Cards for teachers across the state. According to UBEC, the identity cards are expected to strengthen staff records, improve security and enhance administrative efficiency in the management of teachers across Taraba State. UBEC further said the Permanent Identity Card project is also expected to assist the state government in developing an accurate and verifiable database of teachers. Such a database will provide Governor Agbu Kefas with reliable information on personnel within the basic education system and support more effective planning, monitoring and personnel management. The initiative is therefore expected to strengthen security measures, improve staff verification and provide a more efficient system for managing personnel across Taraba State’s basic education sector.
Post a Comment
Read more