Aisha Yesufu tackles CJN over ‘mob’ comment says “Judiciary, toy in hands of corrupt politicians”

Social critic and human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, has described the judiciary as a mere toy in the hands of corrupt politicians.

The development followed a statement credited to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, urging judges not to be overwhelmed by the sentiments of the “mob” while deciding on matters.

The CJN was reacting to allegations of biased judgment by the court on matters regarding the 2023 general elections.

He spoke at the opening of the special session of the 2023/2024 legal year and the swearing-in of 58 newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).

Justice Ariwoola asked judges to remain firm, saying sentiment should not be confused for law.

He said, “It is still necessary to have at the back of your mind that public opinions, sentiments or emotions can never take the place of the law in deciding the cases that come before you.

“The law remains the law, no matter whose interest is involved. In all we do, as interpreters of the law, we should endeavour to sever the strings of emotion from logic and assumption from fact.

“We should never be overwhelmed by the actions or loud voices of the mob or crowd and now begin to confuse law with sentiment or something else in deciding our cases.”

However, in a post on her X account on Monday, Yesufu declared that the judiciary was a mere toy in the hands of corrupt politicians.

She wrote, “The judiciary is the mob. A spineless, greedy and controlled one at that. A mere toy in the hands of corrupt politicians who have not hidden the fact that they are the masters of the judiciary.

The CJN can fool himself all he wants, he knows it, the politicians know and flaunt it and the people know it.”

Recall that the election tribunals and the Appeal Court had nullified elections of public office holders who were elected in the last general elections.

Some governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives mostly from the opposition parties were sacked by the courts.

However, supporters of the sacked leaders accused the judiciary of being hijacked and influenced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).