Rights group fault CJN Ariwoola visit to Wike, insist, demands impartiality from judiciary

Ahead of the 2023 poll, the Coalition of Civil Societies of Nigeria (CCSN) has faulted the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tajudeen Ariwoola over his recent visit to the Governor of Rivers state Nyesom Wike.

“Seeing the hard-fought democracy under threat as we are witnessing now is nonetheless a misnomer. Nigerians will resist this affront with all legitimacy of their convictions!

“A few days ago, Nigerians woke up to the reckless partisan interference of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Tajudeen Olukayode Ariwoola in a political dispute
capable of making Nigerians distrust the electoral processes leading to 2023
general elections.

“The Chief Justice of Nigeria in an unholy visitation to Rivers state, alleged to be a bought commissioning exercise made reckless statements in favour of his newfound political friend Governor Nyesom Wike.

“The Coalition of Civil Societies of Nigeria has since analysed his statements at the commissioning and came to the conclusion that democracy is indeed in
danger.

“How do we explain that the man saddled with the impartial role of dispensing justice is now on the side of a particular group in a political dispute? Given the fact that 18 political parties are up in the race for 2023 general
elections, we wonder what interest the CJN had in one of the political parties (PDP) leading him to obstruct the impartiality of the Judicial arm of the government he currently heads.

“Nigerians are at loss as to the reasons our constitution spelt out the independence of each arm of government. It is worrisome, unpardonable and sinister for the Chief Justice of Nigeria to openly show the ugly side he is affectionately sympathetic to in a political race that has just began.

“This portends a great danger to the smooth dispensation of justice in case of an electoral dispute before, during and after the 2023 general elections. As the saying goes, he who pays the piper dictates the tune.

“From Justice Tajudeen Olukayode ARIWOOLA’s body language, it is becoming clearer that no party or candidate can get justice in the supreme court he oversees. Nigerians will not watch this overbearing suggestion by the CJN to rob off the citizens of the good governance which they have suffered in the last eight years.
Governor Makinde is a renowned ally of Governor Wike and others in the camp, what is the CJN’s business advocating for them outside the courts?

“As responsible citizens of this country and the voice of the voiceless, we demand the immediate sack of the CJN especially now that his amorous political intentions and bias are in the public domain.

“The CJN’S position is nonetheless an invitation to anarchy and we condemn his political romance with political actors in all ramifications.
The partisanship displayed with full emotional support by the CJN is evident enough to know that the 2023 elections are already in his courts. He has compromised his office and person.

“In the coming days, should the CJN refuse to RESIGN, our coalition will press for all legitimate means through citizens’ revolt for him to vacate the exalted, impartial and independent office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“We call on all Nigerians to see this anomaly as a danger enough to truncate citizens’ interest in electing a President of their choice come February 2023.

“Let the National Judicial Council ACT now that the CJN has put a stop to the impartiality of the Judiciary. Enough is Enough!”