In a recent statement, Prof Ango Abdullahi, Convener of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), expressed deep concern over the state of the Nigerian judiciary, urging caution to prevent the erosion of its integrity. Highlighting controversies in recent judicial decisions, especially in election petitions, Abdullahi warned that such occurrences posed a significant threat to Nigeria's democratic future.
Emphasizing the judiciary's pivotal role in upholding the rule of law, protecting citizens' rights, and ensuring the credibility of the electoral process, NEF called on all levels of the judiciary to uphold the highest ethical standards. Abdullahi cautioned that compromising these principles could undermine the foundation of the country's democracy, potentially leading politicians to perceive politics as a "do-or-die affair.
NEF stressed the judiciary's crucial role in maintaining constitutional democracy, providing checks and balances on other branches of government. Abdullahi warned that a failure to adjudicate disputes effectively could embolden politicians to engage in corruption and abuse of power, eroding trust in the democratic process.
The Forum urged relevant authorities and the public to expose any corruption or compromise within the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of swift prosecution to deter others. NEF concluded by calling on the public to remain vigilant, asserting that a strong and incorruptible judiciary is vita
