The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has expressed its views on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Appeal Court ruling that led to the removal of Governor Abba Yusuf in Kano, describing it as a “scandalous judicial debacle.”
Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson addressed the discrepancies between the information read out last Friday and the contents of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment made public on Tuesday. He acknowledged that the matter would likely be resolved by the Supreme Court.
Johnson, a legal practitioner, expressed his dismay at the situation, emphasizing the low state of the country’s judiciary. He criticized the delay in providing the CTC to counsel, pointing out the limited 14-day window for lodging appeals at the Supreme Court.
The confusion arose when the CTC of the court judgment surfaced four days after the initial announcement. The discrepancies in the last five paragraphs of the CTC raised concerns about potential mix-ups in the conclusions. The NNPP spokesperson urged the Court of Appeal to clarify how this occurred and stressed the need for transparency to restore confidence in the judiciary.
He also highlighted the importance of an unbiased panel to ensure justice for the people of Kano who may not comprehend the technicalities involved. The NNPP had earlier reported that the court determined Governor Yusuf was not on his party’s membership list, citing a clause of the Electoral Act.
Addressing this issue, Johnson pointed out that questions about membership cards and eligibility would be addressed by lawyers at the Supreme Court. He emphasized the need for clarity and transparency in handling such sensitive matters.