Nigeria’s judiciary hanging on balance, HURIWA cries out

Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has said the Nigerian judicial system was hanging on a balance following the disparaging of the integrity of the courts.

The group raised dust over the Enugu State Tribunal verdict, which it noted some ‘critical deficiencies’ in the court’s verdict.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, warned that if this should tarry, the common man would completely lose hope in the courts.

He expressed dismay at the disparity between the Enugu governorship case and recent election annulments by the Nasarawa Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Enugu House of Assembly Tribunal.

“While the latter cases were annulled due to alleged irregularities, the Enugu governorship tribunal’s ruling has led to accusations of undue influence and compromised proceedings” Onwubiko stated.

He added: “In Nasarawa, allegations of unjustifiable reduction of votes and irregularities led to the tribunal declaring David Ombugadu as the rightful governor. The Enugu governorship case, however, appears to deviate from this pattern, raising suspicions about the tribunal’s consistency and adherence to legal principles. The fact that these allegations were upheld in one case and dismissed in another raises questions about consistency and fairness in the judicial process.

“The mishandling of Petition No: EPT/EN/GOV/01/2023 and the inconsistency in addressing similar allegations in different cases have far-reaching implications for justice and the rule of law in Nigeria. Instances of miscarriages of justice like this erode public confidence in the judicial system and raise doubts about the fairness of the electoral process. Trust in our legal institutions is fundamental for a functioning democracy.”

Another point of contention highlighted by HURIWA revolved around the tribunal’s interpretation of the qualifications required for gubernatorial candidates. The group argued that the tribunal’s stance appears to contradict the law, which unequivocally disqualifies candidates for submitting forged certificates, regardless of specific requirements.

“Perhaps the most troubling aspect is the perception of compromised impartiality in the Enugu Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s proceedings. Allegations of undue influence and compromised proceedings have cast doubt on the tribunal’s commitment to impartiality and the overall integrity of the electoral process.

“While the Enugu House of Assembly election and Nasarawa governorship cases demonstrated the willingness of tribunals to uphold justice and fairness, the Enugu governorship tribunal’s decision has been met with skepticism. Concerns have arisen that external pressures may have influenced the judgment, leading to a perceived preference