Nigerian Activist and founder of Citizens Hub, Aisha Yesufu, has said the country’s judiciary has become the plaything of corrupt politicians.
The activist and Labour Party Supporter said “the judiciary is supposed to be the last resort of the common man but has unfortunately become a plaything in the hands of corrupt politicians.”
Yesufu made the statement during an interview on News Central TV on Thursday in reaction to the verdict of the Presidential Election Tribunal which had struck out the respective petitions filed by the Opposition party Labour Party (LP) and the flagbearer Peter Obi against the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 polls.
She said, “That’s why the politicians rig elections and do all sorts of things, kill, maim, and get into office, then arrogantly say to you “go to court…we own that place.” If you really want to get into office, rig elections, kill people, whatever it is, ensure that you are declared.”
“We have a situation in Nigeria where politicians go around to shop for judicial pronouncements and rulings.”
Yesufu stated that during the declaration at the election tribunal on Wednesday, the justices, who were supposed to be unbiased, asked them gleefully (in her words) “You think you can just come in here and be able to prove that an election was rigged? Do you think it’s that easy? Do you think it’s drinking coffee?”
The activist and founder said there was a reinforcement of Nigeria’s corrupt politics rigging and doing whatever it takes to be declared, and that’s all that matters. “and when you get declared, the court is going to be there and just pat your back.”
She said when it came to the respondents, it all looked like the justices were on their side, as one of them rhetorically said, “Do you think we are going to go to the market to get evidence?”
Yesufu further stated that she was looking for the day when it would no longer be as the court pleases but what justice is, adding that the issue “is not whether the person you supported, who was declared winner, or a petitioner, whose case was thrown out” but about the process.
The activist had responded to a tweet asking the way forward after the verdict was given that giving up was not an option.
She tweeted, “Immediate action: Giving up is not an option. A setback is an opportunity to consolidate and keep going.”
“All eyes are now on Supreme Court. Mop for a day or two and keep going. Then Time to all get into politics.
“Focus on the legislative arm and judiciary. Begin to get people in. Focus on the wins so far and use it to motivate self.
“Most importantly, do not do it because it needs to be done. Do it because you want to do it.
“That way you are self-motivated and do not care about people’s validation or gratitude.
“At the end, remember that history is slow while living it and also it takes a few to get to the end even though many start.”
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his Vice Kashim Shettima had in May opposed the Live broadcast of the proceedings of the Election Tribunal. The verdict was however transmitted Live.