Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the recent protest letter by Justices of the Supreme Court to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Mohammed, is a confirmation of the alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Government to weaken the judiciary.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, June 23, by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba, the APC is making a move to foist a fascist system and subvert the will of Nigerians in the 2023 general elections.
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The statement posited that the failure of the CJN to address the weighty issues contained in the said protest letter reveals that the ruling party, APC, wants to ensure that the Judiciary is stifled and handicapped to deliver on its constitutional duty as an independent arm of government.
PDP described it as outrageous that instead of personally addressing the issues raised, the CJN rather allowed his media aide to respond to the revered Justices of the Supreme Court via a press statement.
According to the party, the CJN’s action shows impunity and utter disregard for the Justices and the Institution of the Judiciary.
PDP alleged that the APC is desperate to silence judges in Nigeria through the stagnation of judicial infrastructure and operation.
The statement read in part;
This explains why the APC undertook the 2016 midnight raid and arrest of judges including Justices of the Supreme Court; an action which is akin to a declaration of war against the judiciary resulting in the sudden death of some of the judges from emotional trauma and embarrassment.
Nigerians are reminded about the harassment, intimidation, suspension, illegal and unjust removal from office of the former CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, by the APC, being afraid of his independent mindedness ahead of the 2019 Presidential election.
Ologunagba further noted;
Nigerians can also recall the role reportedly played by the APC administration in staging last year’s invasion of the now retired Justice Mary Odili’s home apparently to cause fear in the judiciary ahead of the 2023 general elections.
It is instructive to recall that the Magistrate who issued the warrant for that dastardly act reportedly averred that he was misled by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
It added that the CJN immediately and personally address the issues raised by the Justices, especially those that border on allegations of corruption and underhand dealings.
