In light of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Kano State governorship election, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, a prominent Islamic cleric, has urged Chief Justice of Nigeria Kayode Ariwoola to ensure a thorough and fair review of the Appeal Court’s ruling that removed Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party from office.
The cleric expressed his concerns in a letter addressed to Mr. Ariwoola, dated December 18, and officially received by the CJN’s office.
Emphasizing Kano’s significance as the commercial and religious hub of Northern Nigeria, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi cautioned that a verdict contrary to the people’s will could potentially escalate into violence, a matter he highlighted on social media.
“Kano State has since been the commercial and religious centre of the entire Northern Nigeria. It’s pertinent therefore that peace, unity and order that have woven Nigeria together ever since the dark days of Nigerian civil wars should be maintained at all costs, no other time than now as the world undergoes economic turbulence,” Mr. Bauchi said.
The cleric emphasized that should the Supreme Court uphold the Appeal Court’s decision to remove Mr. Yusuf, northern clerics, elders, and the general population would collectively assert that the electoral mandate of the people in Kano was unlawfully taken.
The cleric cautioned against the potential consequences, underscoring that Nigeria, at this critical juncture, cannot bear the burden of another civil conflict, often sparked by unaddressed grievances and agitations among the populace.
“I therefore write to reiterate that the proceedings of the review of the Appeal Court should be administered with utmost fairness and justice without fear nor favour against the will of the people explicitly expressed through their civic rights, so they may not feel their votes have been stolen nor swept away,” Mr. Bauchi said.
“Your Lordship, this indeed is the unanimous opinion of the scholars and clerics as well as the concern of the northern elders; above all, the view of the northern populace and Nigerians at large.”
READ ALSO: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Kano Governorship Election Appeal
The Abuja Court of Appeal ousted Mr. Yusuf from his position as the governor of Kano State, supporting the earlier decision of the election petition tribunal that invalidated the governor’s election.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court held back its judgment on the NNPP’s appeal, which aims to validate Abba Yusuf as the governor of Kano.
Mr. Bauchi’s letter follows retired Justice Muhammad Dattijo’s valedictory speech, where he made critical comments about the judiciary, elucidating the reasons behind Nigerians’ discontent with the judicial system.
Mr. Dattijo, aged 70, reiterated concerns about the judiciary, expressing regret that “public perceptions of the judiciary have progressively evolved into harsh disdain and overwhelmingly critical sentiments over the years.”
“It has been in the public space that court officials and judges are easily bribed by litigants to obviate delays and/or obtain favourable judgments,” he said.