Hon. Mr. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has finally appeared to address the claims that President Bola Tinubu called him regarding ongoing procedures before the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).
there are claims that the Chief Justice has refuted making a phone call.
Dr. Festus Akande, the CJN’s spokesperson, denied the allegations in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, “it is imperative to state clearly that there is no iota of truth in the rumour that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had a telephone conversation with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) with a view to pressurise the Presidential Election Petition Court on the likely judgement to give.
According to the statement, Nigerians should “sustain the tempo and follow it up to the conclusion, instead of relapsing into the domain of speculations and rumour peddling that would do no one any good.”
Additionally, it urged everyone to work together with the court so that it could fully serve the nation since “no one will ever be favoured against the other in any disagreement.”
The message closed by assuring the people that justice, regardless of who is involved, will be served in all cases currently ongoing in the different courts throughout the nation.
In light of the social media rumour that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, spoke on the phone with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) in order to pressure the Presidential Election Petition Court on the likely judgement to issue, the statement reads: “It is imperative to state clearly that there is no iota of truth in the rumour.
“Nigerians have been watching the Presidential Election Petition Court hearings with great interest. Therefore, it is best that we all keep the pace and see it through to the end rather than slipping back into the world of speculating and spreading false rumours that will not benefit anyone.
“If the current pattern of deceit and mudslinging continues, our country might not reach the development we want. The courts are required by law to act in the general public’s best interests, and we constantly strive to uphold that obligation.
The judiciary would never favour one party over another in a disagreement, so we kindly ask everyone’s cooperation so that it can serve the nation to the fullest extent possible.
“The rule of law and supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution will always be preserved and applied in every matter that is brought before the courts; the relevant facts and laws must be taken into consideration while deciding whether a case has merit or not.
The general public should have confidence that justice will be served in all cases that are ongoing in the different courts across the nation, no matter who is at fault.
