A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank has warned the Justices of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) against resorting to legal technicalities in taking their final decisions.
He said such an action was capable of completely eroding the confidence reposed in the judiciary by the oppressed and marginalized petitioners whose electoral mandates have been allegedly brazenly stolen.
Frank in a statement issued on Friday reminded the five Justices of the court to be mindful of the great expectation of Nigerians who see them as the last hope in redressing discontent that emanated from obvious manipulation and rigging of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election.
He noted that they should be guided by integrity, truth and fear of God in the discharge of their crucial national assignment.
Frank also urged them to painstakingly sift the petitions before them, examine arguments for and against made by petitioners and defendants and unbiased reach a decision based on facts and unassailable truth.
He said: “As the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal begins its hearing and determination of suits brought before it, it is noteworthy that the enthusiasm and expectation of Nigerians is at an all-time high, which signifies a renewed hope in the judiciary as an unbiased arbiter.”
He noted that “the five Justices who had been selected for this arduous task are aware of the magnitude of the assignment before them, and therefore, must ensure that they uphold the high sense of integrity expected of them as Justices of the Court of Appeal.”
Frank added: “The overall consideration and subsequent decision of the tribunal must be seen to reflect the basis for judicial decisions, which are the products of two fixed elements: the facts and the rule of law.
“Therefore all the features of a good judgment are expected to be demonstrated by the Justices in an accurate, succinct, factual and vivid manner.”
He further urged them to resist any form of pressure from whomsoever whether within or without, saying the Justices must display utmost uprightness as Nigeria will be in the spotlight of international stakeholders and citizens eager to follow the proceedings.
According to him, “We are hopeful that there is a more sense of reasoning, rather than technicality that will aid in the final determination of the various Appeals.”
Frank noted that the Justices must be reminded that the fate of the nation is currently in their hands, and the least responsibility expected by Nigerians is their unalloyed loyalty to the people and their oaths of allegiance to the Nigerian Constitution.
