By Lucky Eseigbe
The judiciary has played a pivotal role in upholding democracy and ensuring justice in Nigeria. Throughout our political history, we have witnessed how the courts have restored mandates and upheld the rule of law, ensuring that justice prevailed.
The likes of Rotimi Amechi, Peter Obi, and more recently, prominent figures such as the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeem, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin kalu, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, have all benefited from the judiciary’s fairness and commitment to justice. These are undeniable facts that demonstrate that our judiciary has been a pillar of democracy.
Despite these successes, some individuals have chosen to castigate, bully and attack the judiciary, questioning its integrity even before judgements are delivered. This is unfair and dangerous. Our institutions, expecially the judiciary and INEC, are the foundation of our democracy. When we undermine them due to political sentiments, we risk tearing apart the very fabric that binds us as a people.
The ongoing case between Asue ighodalo of the PDP and Governor Monday Okpebholo of the APC at the Edo State Election Tribunal, is still in progress. The tribunal has not given its judgement, yet some individuals have already concluded that the judiciary will compromise. This level of distrust is unnecessary and harmful.
Have we forgotten the past when the judiciary stood firm and delivered landmark rulings that shaped our democracy? Instead of attacking our institutions, we should support them, trust their processes, and allow them to function without any undue pressure.
A society that disrespects its institution will struggle with lawlessness and disorder. As Edo people, and Nigeria at large, we must rise above political sentiments and stand in defence of the institutions that guarantee fairness and stability in our democracy.
Let us trust the judiciary to do the needful. Let us believe in the process. Let us pray for our nation’s stability and progress. The future of our democracy depends on it.
Hon.Sir (Dr) Lucky Eseigbe LL.M. is the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Edo State.
