In a startling turn of events, the Court of Appeal has purportedly urged involved lawyers in the Kano State governorship election case to return the Certified True Copy (CTC) of its judgment for necessary rectification.
This development emerges subsequent to the court’s recent issuance of a certified true copy of the judgment, initially perceived to favor Governor Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), the appellant. The original judgment, handed down on November 17, affirmed the ruling of the Kano Governorship Election Tribunal, resulting in the removal of Governor Yusuf. However, a recent revelation points towards the court instructing the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remunerate Governor Yusuf with N1 million, seemingly indicating a favorable judgment for the NNPP candidate.
Renowned law professor and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, expressed deep concern and skepticism over this contradictory decision, casting doubt on the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system. Odinkalu emphasized the discrepancy in the court’s stance by highlighting that although the Court of Appeal seemingly resolved all issues in favor of the appellant against the first respondent, it found the appeal lacking in merit and subject to dismissal. This raised significant questions about the judicial process.
The situation took a further unexpected turn as reports surfaced indicating the court’s request for the return of the judgment for “correction.” However, Odinkalu vehemently contested this action, suggesting that such a move falls outside the purview of the Slip Rule, insinuating a potential attempt by the court to alter the judgment retroactively.
“This is Judicial Corruption on the face of the record,” declared Odinkalu, firmly standing against any potential manipulation of the judicial decision.
The saga originated from the Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s initial ruling in September, where Governor Yusuf faced removal due to purported breaches of Electoral Law in his candidacy. This recent series of conflicting events has sparked widespread concern and raised profound doubts about the integrity of the judicial processes surrounding the case.
