The Organisation for Impact and Reform (OFIAR), a non-governmental organisation has alerted the stakeholders of Nigerian government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary on the dangers of truncating or interfering in the process of the presidential election petition tribunal which would mare the transparency of the tribunal’s process in a bid to unravel the true outcome of the February 25 , 2023 presidential election in the country.
OFIAR on Monday gave the alert in a latest press release titled, “TAKE IT TO COURT”.
The group described those against free and fair election in the country as “perpetrating evil against the Nigerian people”. Also adding that the selected is mounting pressure on them to “chin up and take their abuse, their disrespect and hubris. They are now lobbying for us to accept the INEC results and the outcomes therein suggesting that we should move on in the interest of peace. On the flip side, in their arrogance, they are quick to tell us “TAKE IT TO COURT”.
OFIAR also accused INEC of “sullying further Nigeria’s image both locally and abroad”. While also describing the presidential election tribunal as “a long and brutal legal fight over the legitimacy of the election pronouncements”.
The “selected ones are under the false impression that they have control of the courts and like the outcome of the elections, they have everything under control. They hitherto have controlled the judiciary and its legal pronouncements”. The statement added.
As the election petition tribunal begins, OFIAR holds the view that “there is the attendant risk that the judiciary will also be on trial just as much as all Nigeria’s legacy institutions. This test could potentially unearth the level of rot in her institutions”.
OFIAR warns that “if the courts abbreviate the proceedings and dismiss the will of the people, we should all prepare for troublesome days ahead”.
Read full press release below 👇
TAKE IT TO COURT “A lot of the foul play has been traced to the ruling All Progressive Congress party and a grave injustice has been perpetrated against the Nigerian people.
“Nigeria finds herself at a crossroads. A conundrum of sorts is afoot. The perpetrators of this infraction are quick to tell us “TAKE IT TO COURT”
“The selected expect us to chin up and take their abuse, their disrespect and hubris. They are now lobbying for us to accept the INEC results and the outcomes therein suggesting that we should move on in the interest of peace. On the flip side, in their arrogance, they are quick to tell us “TAKE IT TO COURT.”
“The post-election arena moves to the courts. INEC in its conduct has succeeded in sullying further Nigeria’s image both locally and abroad. As we prepare for a long and brutal legal fight over the legitimacy of the election pronouncements, they, the selected ones are under the false impression that they have control of the courts and like the outcome of the elections, they have everything under control. They hitherto have controlled the judiciary and its legal pronouncements.
“The perception is that like most Nigerian institutions, the judiciary is not immune to compromise. Many Nigerians are skeptical about the fairness of the Nigerian courts.
“One must acknowledge that successful challenges to the pronouncements of INEC election results in the Nigerian courts are few and far in between. If past is prologue, it is unlikely that the Nigerian populace will get their wish to interrogate the results of the election and ascertain their mandate. In this instance, there is every likelihood that if the citizens especially the youth suspect a miscarriage of justice, one cannot begin to imagine the erosion of order and the potential for destruction that will be unleashed upon the nation.
“As we head to court, there is the attendant risk that the judiciary will also be on trial just as much as all Nigeria’s legacy institutions. This test could potentially unearth the level of rot in her institutions. Another Nigerian institution put on trial on the global stage, all this being collateral damage from the catastrophic decision by Mahmood Yakubu and INEC.
“THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING”. How will the giant of Africa respond? How will she conduct herself in the court of law? No one will come out of this experience unscathed. Whoever is pronounced the winner, there will be disappointment to spread around. As long as the legal process is open and fair and the citizens are left with the impression that their voices are heard, I believe Nigeria will be accepting of the decision out of the courts. On the other hand, if the courts abbreviate the proceedings and dismiss the will of the people, we should all prepare for troublesome days ahead.”
Signed:
Media Unit, Organisation for Impact and Reform (OFIAR)
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