Following the rulings of the Supreme Court, Nigeria for Peace (N4P), an organization supported by civil society groups, wrote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to inform him that the peace had been maintained by his nonintervention in the cases.
As persons with strong patriotic beliefs and practitioners of peace-building throughout Nigeria, the CSOs praised Tinubu for adhering to justice over party alignment and expressed their unwavering belief in the oneness, unity, peace, and security of the Nigerian State at all costs.
Tinubu acted impartially in all electoral appeal classes, according to the open letter to Tinubu that was co-signed by Chief Mulade Sheriff and Convener Amb Ibrahim Waiya.
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The group also applauded the Supreme Court Justices led by Justice John Okoro for saving them from imminent political conflicts and salvaging the integrity of the Nigerian Judiciary.
The CSOs said in the letter: “We wish to start by congratulating you on your victory at the Supreme Court in the 2023 presidential election case. On behalf of the peace-loving citizens and democrats, we commend you for your outstanding demonstration of nationalism, patriotism, and democratic culture by remaining neutral in all the election cases in the Supreme Court, especially those involving states won by opposition parties.
“This has not only proved that you are a true democrat, a patriotic and selfless leader but also a leader who believes in the national interest above partisan and selfish interest.”
While reminding the president of past events, the CSOs said there were many election appeal cases before the Supreme Court, which originated from Election Tribunals and went to Appeal Courts, mostly challenging the judgments against some Governors who were declared winners by INEC, especially in some opposition states.
“The cases created tension and fear capable of igniting crises if justice were not served. Indeed, we commend your resilience for supporting all efforts aimed at upholding democratic best practices which emphasize the recognition of the people’s mandate.
“We equally acknowledge the steadfastness of our respected Justices at the Supreme court for demonstrating patriotism, and for not allowing themselves to be used to suppress the will and mandate of the Nigerian citizens. This singular effort has helped to restore the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, avert potential political conflicts and chaos in the affected States, and across the country, as well proved that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and indeed the temple of justice.
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“The election petition judgments of 12th January, 2024, would be celebrated in the history of Nigerian democracy, as they redeemed the image of the Nigerian judiciary, and saved our democracy from collapse at a time when Nigerians have almost lost confidence in the system. It is our strong belief that the judgments of the Supreme Court in all the election petitions cases have asserted the supremacy of the Apex Court in the land, with highly learned men and women ready to make sacrifices to save our dear country, Nigeria,” the CSOs said.
While congratulating the Governors for their victory, the CSOs implore them to collaborate with Tinubu led Federal Government to revamp the nation’s economy and critically address the security challenges confronting the Nation, poverty, as well as focus more on developmental projects that will impact positively on the lives of the people in their respective States.
“It is imperative to suggest to our Governors to run an all-inclusive government, by extending a hand of fellowship to the opposition where necessary.
“We equally wish to recognize the commitment of the security agencies and other stakeholders for their show of patriotism, and for meticulously discharging their duties during the turbulent period of anxiety and frustration in the country.”
