The Coalition of Civil Society Group for Transparency and Good Governance (CCTGG) has stressed that the country cannot have a successful democracy without a fair and impartial judiciary.
Executive Director, CCTGG, Manzo Abubakar, said this during a briefing in Abuja yesterday.
He advised the judiciary led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola to adhere strictly to professional ethics of the law profession. He also urged the judiciary to abstain from partisan politics.
Abubakar expressed the group’s reservations to the comments made by the CJN in Port Harcourt during the commissioning of a project.
He said: “As we all know, this is the era of aggressive and even unconventional politicking, so, there’s nothing that will not be heard or seen at this crucial time, especially between now and February 2023, when the general elections will be conducted.
“The truth is that open-minded Nigerians typically steer clear of making rash declarations and travelling to locations where they can be perceived as taking sides. This is particularly true for judges and magistrates who are constitutionally in the position of adjudicating on sensitive matters.
“The Coalition of Civil Society Group for Transparency and Good Governance, CCTGG, stands to emphatically consider the statements made by the Chief Justice of Nigeria during his recent visit to Port Harcourt and came to the conclusion that it is unlikely that the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Lordship Olukayode GCON, will be able to carry out the sacred duties of his office and impartially ensure justice for every Nigerian, particularly when it comes to defending citizens’ voting rights and votes.”
(Nation)