Judicial Ambush: Curious Verdicts At Election Tribunals

Folake Oyerinde,
Offa.

Since the election tribunals are presided over by elements that are part of our generally blighted system, I see no reason why we should expect unbiased verdicts. These judges are only being true to type, considering the endemic lapses in our society.

Titus Akpan,
Surulere, Lagos.

Curious verdicts and judicial ambush will always be a trend in this nation, because we worship money. As long as politicians abound who have excessive money to throw around and upturn any type of verdict, judiciary or otherwise, we should not expect to have incorruptible judges.

Olusunle Olabisi,
Ilorin.

Compared with other arms of government, I still believe the Nigerian judiciary is not doing badly. Perfection is impossible to attain and maintain in a society like ours where virtually everything is wrong. Let us not run the judiciary down totally, please.

Abdulhameed Babatunde,
Ilorin.

That warped verdicts are coming from election tribunals across the country should not surprise Nigerians. With the determination of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to take absolute control of all the 36 states by every means possible, there cannot be any other outcome than the shame we are currently witnessing. But I am sure the Almighty God will visit appropriate justice on the wicked.

Johnbull Esele,
Benin City.

The Osun Election Petitions Tribunal is just an example of the rot in our judicial system. After TheNEWS magazine broke the story about the romance between Thomas Naron, chairman of the tribunal and Kunle Kalejaye, counsel to Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a listening government ought to have carried out a thorough investigation. But the tribunal was left to go ahead and deliver its judgment.

Adamu Seidu,
Okene.

I fear for peace in Nigeria if the current trend of brazen miscarriage of justice is not curbed. The National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association should not allow offending judges and lawyers to go scot-free. Otherwise, the country may soon be on the boil.

Tinuke Alayande,
Ibadan.

The case of Sokoto and Kebbi states are indeed critical and curious. The two governors on the PDP ticket were declared ineligible to contest the election in the first instance, yet they were not only allowed to contest but were declared winners in the re-run.

The re-run election in the two states should be nullified.

Kingsley Job,
Calabar.

Your cover report on “Judicial Ambush” could not have come at a better time. Of course we are all living witnesses to the rot in our dear country. And if some drastic measures are not applied immediately, the country may soon slide into chaos.

Jude Amenechi,
Yaba, Lagos.

Nigerians are really worried because the judiciary is gradually losing its status as the last hope of the common man. But we are watching and hoping that both the bench and the bar will see the need to act in the best interest of the masses. By so doing, it will be regaining its waning respect and protecting its own interest.

Biodun James,
Ibadan.

What exactly is wrong with the judiciary? I hope this is not the beginning of the end for Nigeria.

Paul Adebowale,
Ijebu-Ijesha.

Your cover story on Judicial Ambush is a true reflection of the sorry state of the judiciary. Nigeria, definitely deserves an impartial body of men and women to decide on matters that determine the course of justice. This is the only way we can be sure of a better future.

Blessing Smith,
Warri.

The activities of judges is something Nigerians need to really take a deeper look into. Our judges have thrown decorum to the dogs and the masses are paying dearly for it. But how long will this charade go on?

Mohammed Sani,
Kwara State.

My prayer is for God to save our judges. The Bible says we should pray for our leaders. I believe we should not castigate the entire judiciary as a result of the few bad elements who are soiling its image. In fact, we urgently need to employ the help of religious leaders to pray for them to embrace rectitude.

Moses Idogho,
Benin.

My sincere belief is that we should not cast aspersions on the judges alone. What about the desperate politicians that are ready to do anything in order to have their way? The politicians involved in the desecration of the judiciary should be shot. You should extend your searchlight to the politicians as well.

Bamidele Enitan,
Ijebu-Ode.

Keep up the good work, TheNEWS, Nigerians are solidly behind you. If other people can rise to the occasion like you do, Nigeria would improve. Please, don’t relent in your efforts. I pray that God almighty shall continue to bless you people.

Kunle Ayoola,
Kano.

The judgments given in Jos and Osogbo were, indeed, judicial ambush. The verdicts which were in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party did not come to many Nigerians as a surprise. Ever before the judgments were given, we all knew in whose favour they were going to be.

James Ukoha,
Umuahia.

The judgments given in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party candidates by the various election petitions tribunals indeed show that the judiciary in Nigeria is not independent of the long arm of the executive. It is high time the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Judicial Council began to free the judiciary.

Amos Ebele,
Benin City.

Nigerians have not learned any lesson from history. They need to stand up and say no to the travesty of justice going on in election tribunals all over the land.

Efe Ilolo,
Ughelli.

Most of the election tribunals across the country are dashing the hope of Nigerians in the Judiciary.

Yemi Fadipe.
Akute, Ogun State.

The judiciary at a time proved that it can be relied upon to move the country forward. But some of the happenings in the tribunals and the courts of appeal are forcing Nigerians to have a re-think. This is unfortunate.

Charles Amawka,
Asaba.

I am not surprised at the disclosure that the judiciary is not dishing out justice as it should. After all, is it not an integral part of the Nigerian society?

John Akpomildia,
Warri.

Is this country cursed? I cannot understand why some of the citizens we think would be patriotic enough to wipe away the tears of those crying for justice have decided to add a greater burden on the already aggrieved. Anyway, very soon the accused will, one way or the other, begin arresting the judges who fail in their duty.

David Collins,
Abuja.

Who will deliver Nigeria from the hands of corrupt judges?

Shehu Maimalari,
Sokoto.

These election tribunals should be disbanded. The justices must be prosecuted.

Tony Onoh,
Enugu.

The if the so-called tribunals find it too difficult to declare a winner even after convincing facts have been established to lay the matter to rest, then it is a slap in the face of democracy.

Funke Olawoye,
Ondo State.

We are finished in Nigeria. The only institution that was respected for being honourable and impartial – the Judiciary – is being compromised. Adieu Nigeria.

Christopher Onumah,
Maiduguri.

Why are Nigerians surprised? Are the judges not part of the larger Nigerian society? Until we tackle corruption frontally in the country, things like this will continue to happen.

George Onuka,
Aba.

The story written by TheNEWS was timely. Something must be done about judges who sell justice to the highest bidder. They should realise that what is hidden here on earth will be exposed before God in heaven.

Biodun Ayoola,
Ibadan.

The National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association have roles to play in ensuring that justice reigns in Nigeria. The bad eggs in their ranks must be shown the door so that others like them can learn a lesson. I believe that the judiciary as the last hope of the common man must not be allowed to slip irretrievably into corruption.

James Ekpe,
Uyo.

The latest allegations on the judiciary came to me as a surprise. I could recall that early in the year, the judiciary gave some judgments which were applauded by all Nigerians. I believe something may have gone wrong between then and now.

Femi Adeleye,
Ohio.