Attacks on judges dangerous to judiciary –ACN

Hello Friends!

In the News Today, courtesy of the Punch Newspapers:

The Action Congress of Nigeria has warned that growing attacks on judges by dissatisfied litigants may eventually destroy the judiciary, if allowed to persist.In a statement in Lagos on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said danger loomed the moment a judge could no longer feel safe enough to perform his duty because of the fear of being attacked by litigants.It said an example of such attacks was the one mounted by the Peoples Democratic Party, “with the backing of the Presidency, against Justice Ayo Salami, simply because he courageously adjudicated in the election appeal cases involving Ekiti and Osun states.”The statement said, “The latest of such attacks is the move initiated by former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Segun Oni, to compel the prosecution of Justice Ayo Salami for alleged perjury, which has led an Abuja High Court in Bwari to grant Oni leave to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the Attorney-General to commence criminal proceedings against Justice Salami.“The move by Oni is nothing but a continuation of the persecution of Justice Salami and, coming after a panel set up by the Chief Justice of Nigeria recommended his reinstatement because he was unjustly removed, is aimed at frustrating the recommendation of the panel. The truth is that while Oni may be the front, he is actively backed by the PDP and the Presidency in ensuring that Salami is not reinstated.“The message being sent to the judiciary is simple: If you dare to rule against us, you will go the way of Salami. This may signal the death knell for the judiciary if not checked.”The party said it was concerned about the issue because of its strong belief in democracy and the rule of law.“We are concerned because the PDP’s mortal fear of a courageous judge is pushing it to destroy an innocent man, and in the process, bring down the judiciary that many agree has generally availed itself creditably since our country’s return to democratic governance in 1999,’’ it said. ACN wondered why there was so much “noise because the PDP lost governorship election appeals in two states, when since inception, the same party has won over 80 per cent of its cases at the election tribunals, compared to a mere 20 per cent by the ACN.”

Last Words: PDP up till date, is the worst thing that has ever happened to the Nigerian Political System. The party has no idea what Democracy nor the Rule of Law entails! When officers of the Law/government are prevented or threatened to fulfill their constitutional roles, then the Nation in itself is in trouble! President Jonathan is a total disgrace if indeed, there was some form of backing from his office in respect to the above situation...

XOXO

Simply Cheska.