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Catholic Entities in Nigeria Want Election Tribunal Judges to be Impartial in Judgement

From Left Sir Peter Ikponmwosa Agbontaen, KS)I Founder, Catholic Action Nigeria , (Middle) Prof. Pat Utomi Chairman, Catholics in Politics & Business Leaders Forum (Right) Sir (Hon) Henry Yunkwap, KSJI National President, Laity Council of Nigeria. Credit: Abah Anthony John

By ACI Africa Staff

Jos, 19 August, 2023 / 9:15 pm (ACI Africa).

Members of various Catholic Entities in Nigeria including Catholics in Politics and Business Forum, Catholic Action, and the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria have called on judges of the country's election tribunal to deliver a just and impartial judgment that will reflect and represent the will of the citizens.

The victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was declared winner of the February 25 poll by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is being challenged in court by Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).

Addressing journalists Wednesday, August 16 at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Durumi, Abuja, the Catholic entities said, “The legitimacy challenges from disputed elections now before the tribunals, the plight of the people ravaged by poverty and burdened by public policy choices seem to crush the will of the vulnerable and the weak who hold a special place in God's heart.”

“We implore the Honourable Justices to consider their role in safeguarding our democracy and ensure that the verdict is not tainted by any external influences or personal biases,” they said.

The Catholic entities further emphasized the need for “justice to prevail without fear or favor, guided solely by the principles of fairness and the truth.”

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“We unequivocally state that Nigerians expect justice to be served in a manner that reflects the will of the people and that the Honourable Justices should acknowledge the weight of their responsibilities and understand that their decision will shape the course of our nation's future,” they said.

They urged politicians across party lines to “put aside partisan differences; collaborate in the best interests of the Nigerian people and take swift and decisive action to address the prevailing economic crisis.”

During the August 16 press conference, the Catholic entities also condemned the luxurious lifestyles of Nigerian legislators despite the hardship in the country.

“We strongly condemn the holiday prayers in monetary values sent by the Senate President to the inbox of the Federal legislators. In a country where millions of our fellow citizens struggle to provide basic necessities for their families, it is distressing to witness our representatives indulging in such extravagant practices,” they said.

The Catholic entities added, “It is disheartening to witness these same legislators who have supported and endorsed policies that have exacerbated the hardships faced by our citizens now engaging in ostentatious displays of sharing our commonwealth in the form of prayers to their bank accounts.”

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“This clearly shows the disconnect between our lawmakers and the realities on the ground. The Nigerian people are not interested in empty gestures; they yearn for tangible actions that will alleviate their suffering and bring about real change,” they added.

They further called on the Senate President and federal legislators to “accountability and immediately redirect their focus on policies and actions that address the pressing needs of our citizens.”

Abah Anthony John contributed in the writing of this story

ACI Africa Staff

ACI Africa was founded in 2019. We provide free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Catholic Church in Africa, giving particular emphasis to the words of the Holy Father and happenings of the Holy See, to any person with access to the internet. ACI Africa is proud to offer free access to its news items to Catholic dioceses, parishes, and websites, in order to increase awareness of the activities of the universal Church and to foster a sense of Catholic thought and culture in the life of every Catholic.

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