Protesters storm court premises, warn judges against collection of bribe

Protesters, Monday stormed the court of appeal premises in Abuja, where the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal is sitting to caution the tribunal judges against selling of judgement to highest bidders.

The protesting Nigerians who displayed placards with various inscriptions are demanding justice and the ‘return of alleged stolen mandate during the February 25 presidential election’.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election but his victory is being challenged at the tribunal by some parties and their candidates.

Some of the inscriptions read: “INEC let Nigeria win,” “Nigerians not for sale. #We fight for justice,” “A fraudulent election cannot produce a credible leader,” “President Muhammadu Buhari. #Keep Your promise,” “#Occupy INEC now,” “We stand for justice. We fight for a New Nigeria,” and “Buhari Mr Integrity Sack Mahmood Now.”

The protesters who converged under the auspices of #Free Nigeria Movement chanted slogans advocating for justice and transparency in the legal process at the tribunal.

The convener of the group, Dr. Moses Paul, while addressing the supporters, said the group was not in support of any political party but stands in solidarity with the people of Nigeria in defence of justice and good governance.

He said, “We are standing here and decisions are being made right now inside the Appeal Court, we are demanding for the right thing to be done.

“Any judge that decides to collect money or decides not to follow the constitution of Nigeria, any judge that decides to do the wrong thing so that Nigeria can go down, e no go better for una!

“The entire Africa and the world is waiting for us to show dignity, honestly, direction and leadership because until Nigeria takes its seat in the comity of nations, Africa is going nowhere, we cannot watch our nation degrade to nothing when the world is watching and waiting for us.”