A Northern group, the Northern Initiative for Defense of Democracy and Justice, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the political turmoil plaguing Kogi State. The group describes President Tinubu as a steadfast democrat who embodies the principles of democracy, rule of law, justice, and fairness.
The National President Ambassador Nureedden Musa Sadiq, spoke to news men in Lafia Nassarawa State, during an interactive session with youth on the Renewed Hope project of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group lamented the collapse of the judicial system in Kogi State, where a former governor who perpetrated monumental corruption, financial malfeasance, and electoral crimes roam free. They expressed dismay at the outcome of the electoral petition tribunal and appeal court judgments, which they believe fell short of standards.
The group alleged that the Court of Appeal in Abuja compromised the Kogi election petition appeal, necessitating an urgent call to action. They implored President Tinubu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and Supreme Court members to scrutinize the Kogi election petition, ensuring integrity and justice in the electoral system.
The group emphasized that allowing the electoral process to function without interference will solidify democracy in Nigeria. They reiterated their appeal to President Tinubu, the Chief Justice, and Supreme Court members to critically examine the Kogi election petition, upholding justice and securing a brighter future for Nigeria’s democracy.
The Northern Initiative for Defense of Democracy and Justice stressed that the Kogi State electoral crisis has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic progress. They urged President Tinubu to use his executive powers to address the situation and restore trust in the electoral process.
He commented on the unfortunate bypass of the BVAS machine which was introduced into our electoral system to bring sanity and transparency Saying ” INEC can not commit over 105 billion Naira of our collective patrimony into a New technology that would have changed our electoral system for the better and not follow through with the initiative” He warned, that the danger of permitting what happened in Kogi State to scale through would be dire for Nigeria in 2027 elections if not corrected now
The group also called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Supreme Court members to demonstrate their commitment to justice and fairness by thoroughly reviewing the Kogi election petition. They emphasized that the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system hangs in the balance.
Furthermore, the group warned that failure to address the Kogi State electoral crisis will embolden those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s democracy. They emphasized that the time for action is now, and that President Tinubu, the Chief Justice, and Supreme Court members must rise to the challenge.
Ultimately, the Northern Initiative for Defense of Democracy and Justice expressed hope that President Tinubu, the Chief Justice, and Supreme Court members will heed their call and take decisive action to restore justice and democracy in Kogi State. They believed that this will set a positive precedent for Nigeria’s democratic future.
