Nigerian judiciary has proven to be guardians of justice, fairness – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said The Nigerian judiciary has shown itself to be the guardians of justice and fairness.

Shettima said this while speaking to journalists, after the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPC), on Wednesday night, validated his position as Vice President and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2023 presidential poll.

He stated that President Tinubu is indebted to Nigerians and to the leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

“One cannot adequately convey our debt of gratitude to the Nigerian people, my principal will issue a formal statement but we felt compelled to talk to you having spent nearly 14 to 15 hours in this chambers,” Shettima said.

“It is a great day for Nigeria. The Nigerian judiciary has proved itself to be the guardians of justice and fairness against the sirens of deception.

“There is dignity of every person that we need to honour and cherish. We want to thank you; the journey is just beginning and we want to call on Nigerians, let us unite.”

Shettima added that what binds Nigerians together supersedes whatever divides them.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu, assured Nigerians of his renewed and energized focus on delivering his vision of a unified, peaceful and prosperous nation.

Tinubu said this in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale following the judgment by the tribunal in Abuja.

Ngelale said that President Tinubu welcomes the judgment of the Tribunal with an intense sense of solemn responsibility and preparedness to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of all diverse political persuasions, faiths, and tribal identities.

“The President recognizes the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani in interpreting the law.”

Ngelale added that the President affirms that his commitment to the rule of law, and the unhindered discharge of duties by the Tribunal, as witnessed in the panel’s exclusive respect for the merits of the petitions brought forward, further reflect the continuing maturation of Nigeria’s legal system, and the advancement of Africa’s largest democracy at a time when our democratic system of government is under test in other parts of the continent.