Governorship election judgement in kano not miscarriage of justice – Gombe SDP Chairman
By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Gombe State Chairman, Social Democratic Party of Nigeria, Mr kelmi Lazarus, on Thursday said his party has confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, stressing that a section of aggrieved people could cry foul in the event of justice is not dispensed in their favour as a miscarriage of justice in a particular ruling.
In a chat with PERISCOPE NIGERIA, in Gombe the politician said the court verdict was an escalation of hostilities between the current governor and a former mentor of his who has since parted ways with him over issues of policy and other mundane factors .
“I have confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man . But human nature being what it is,a section of aggrieved people here and there could cry foul in the event of justice is not dispensed in their favour or when they perceive an element of a travesty or a miscarriage of justice in a particular ruling or when some judges complain of having their hands while handling a sensitive or controversial case,” he lamented.
He added, “but the fear here is the fall out of the judgement considering the Kwankwasiya syndrome which has plagued Kano politics .In other words,the presidential flag bearer of NNPP Engineer Rabiu Kwankwaso, whom Governor Yusuf rose to power through his influence and instrumentality, is likely to engage in a fierce counter attack against those perceived to have had a hand in the political set back or legal draw back of the Governor hence, further polarising and over heating Kano polity.
“But Governor Yusuf could have invariably earned the wrath and displeasure of people of his state through the sweeping and radical changes he is implementing especially demolition of public buildings which he considered to have breached or violated Kano master plan.”
” The judgement is a big bombshell and a bitter pill to be swallowed by the NNPP and conversely a welcome development or a cause for celebration among opposition circles especially APC chieftains.When two elephants fight ,the grass suffers .And this is where my party is calling for a truce or understanding among warring political parties in order to give peace a change.”
Lazarus further said that the judgement was capable of sending shock waves or shivers across the country especially where outcome of the last gubernatorial elections are being challenged in the court of law.
“The SDP in Gombe does take sides in a matter that largely affect other political parties in neighbouring states.Our focus is only on building a consensus and endearing political culture in the country. An aggrieved party is at liberty in seeking a redress in court but in so doing ,to avoid hitting below the belt or resorting to action capable of causing a breach of law and order,” he said.
He cautioned politicians saying a winner in an election should avoid arrogance and impunity in governing a state, “I call on Kano people not take the law into their hands or capitalise on the prevailing situation to engage in a civil unrest” rather the politicians should thread carefully where angels fear to do so,” he added.
