Group faults S/Court on recent judgment, says court disregards glaring evidences

A group under the umbrella name of National Rescue Congress has faulted the Supreme Court over its recent judgment on the petitions filed by the Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and that of Labour Party, Peter Obi, against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence as winner of the February 2023, Presidential elections.

With the theme, “The State of the Nation and a Call to Rescue Nigeria”, the group in a communique issued after the congress and signed by the convener, Pastor Emmanuel Ihim and Chief Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji, called for action to rescue and salvage Nigeria, adding that unjust law is no law.

The virtual congress brought together, democratic enthusiasts from the across the

Country.

Speaking, the convener of the congress, Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, alleged that the country has witnessed a travesty, blatant disregard for justice, equity and constitutionality by the Nigeria Supreme Court Justices.

He added that despite the glaring evidence surrounding the Chicago State University and the allegations against President Tinubu, “the Supreme Court has sadly chosen to disregard the tenets of justice and the rule of Law.”

Adding: “It has been gravely observed that the core pillars of our Nigerian democracy, including the executive authority and judicial system have been subverted.

“The verdict delivered on October 26, upholding the Presidential Election Tribunal Court’s decision regarding the petitions of Peter Obi and Alhaji Atiku against Tinubu, as endorsed by members of Nigeria’s Supreme Court, raises serious questions about the integrity of our Constitution, the essence of our democracy, the fairness of our justice system, and our cohesive strength as a nation.

“This judgment has implications for the principles enshrined in our Constitution, the integrity of our democratic and justice systems, and the very fabric of our national identity.

“This judgment, despite overwhelming evidence against it, is a dark stain on our nation’s legal tapestry and a testament to the compromise of justice. Such glaring compromise was not an oversight but a concerted sabotage against the sovereign will of millions of Nigerians, which diminishes our faith in the system and beckons us to rise, challenge, and reclaim the sanctity of the rule of Law.”

Adding: “When a state drifts from the path of constitutionality and morality, it makes a mockery of justice; it becomes the duty of the citizens to rise. As eloquently captured by Thomas Jefferson, “When injustice becomes a Law, resistance becomes a duty.”

“In these trying times, civil disobedience emerges not as an act of defiance but as an instrument of restoration. It is a tool to recalibrate the moral compass of our nation, to realign our values, and to resurrect the spirit of democracy.

“We note that power is ephemeral, no matter the strength or number of bulldozers, thugs or guns, the collective will of the people cannot be silenced.”

The group held laws must always be a reflection of a society’s moral values and that the legitimacy of laws anchors more than its legality.

“The legitimacy of law is grounded in its purpose – to restrain evil and advance justice. A law that serves personal interests over the common good that subverts the constitution and imposes uneven criminal burdens on the generality of Nigerians may be “legal but unjust. Instead, it is a mere tool for oppression, devoid of its values and essence.”

The group held that it was not a moment of despair but a call to action but a reminder that the fight for justice and for a better Nigeria rests in the hands of the people.

“We must rise, unite and reclaim our nation from the jaws of injustice. When law becomes a tool of oppression, when justice is miscarried and when the very pillars of democracy are shaken, it is not just a call to action, it is a clarion call for rescue and salvage Nigeria with a renewed hope for generations for our youth and the generation of our children.

“We join hands with all believers in justice, fairness and equity to champion the cause of restoring Nigeria’s soul. We call upon every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation, to come together. This is not a struggle of one but a struggle of all.

“In the face of injustice, silence is not an option. We must rise, unite and reclaim the legacy of our great nation. The National Rescue Congress calls upon every Nigerian, every believer in justice, fairness, and democracy to join hands in this noble cause. The future of Nigeria lies not in the hands of a few but in the collective spirit of its people.”

Ihim said that National Rescue Congress is devoted to rejecting impunity and ensuring that the political will of Nigerians is respected and safeguarded.