By Ozumi Abdul
The Kano state government has extolled the virtue of the election tribunal judge for federal and state house of assemblies in the state , Justice Flora Azinge for exposing alleged bribe attempts by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who has a case before her.
The praise was contained in a press statement issued on the early hours of Thursday by the Kano state Commissioner for Information, Honour Halilu Dantiye.
It also expressed concerns and worries that some desperate politicians are hellbent at arm-twisting the judiciary to get justice in their favour.
“It is an open secret that these strong forces who are well-known for their corrupt attitude are working tirelessly to scuttle the hard earned mandate of the people of Kano state.
“No doubt, all eyes are looking at the direction of the former Kano state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje whose accession to the APC national chairmanship was opposed by senior and founding members of the party and indeed majority of Nigerians because of various allegations cases of corruption.” He certainly feels emboldened by what is generally perceived as his unfortunate and undemocratic selection as APC chairman who is rumoured to be all out to influence the outcome of various Election Petition Tribunals in Kano in particular and other states in general.
“The state government views this as a litmus test for present administration to show Nigerians its commitment to fighting corruption and defending democratic principles by ensuring that this case is thoroughly investigated and the culprits prosecuted. The anti-corruption agencies are equally expected to swing into action especially when this type of allegation was made in open court by a respected Judge.
“However, the government views with delight the action of the Tribunal chairperson Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge as a positive testimony that there is still hope in the Nigerian judiciary and there are Judges and Justices with high sense of integrity abound in our
country”, the statement partly read.
Recalled that on Tuesday the chairman of Kano state national and state houses of assembly petition tribunal , Justice Flora Azinge angrily alleged that there were attempts by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to bribe her.
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She made the allegation while speaking in open court before the commencement of the session, even though she the disclose the identity of the alleged SAN.
“A Senior Advocate of Nigeria who has a pending case before me is attempting to bribe me. Money has been flying in this tribunal since yesterday. Whoever collects money on my behalf, God will punish that person and his generation yet unborn — to the fourth generation.
“They keep abusing judges, insulting us everyday in the papers, in the media — that we are taking bribe.
“Let me repeat again that nobody should approach me with money again. I’m contented with what God has given me, and I have a roof over my head,” she alleged.
Reacting to the allegation, Sanusi Musa SAN, the counsel to the member, House of Representatives representing Gwarzo/Kabo Federal Constituency, in the case between Nasiru Sule Garo of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Abdullahi Muazu Gwarzo, All Progressive Congress (APC), also confirmed to the judge that there was on a news story on the media making the rounds that a senior lawyer was attempting to bribe her.
Musa expressed his shock and concerns as a senior lawyer, wondering why would the said lawyer indulge in such an unethical manner that is capable of bringing the credibility of the judiciary into a great dispute.
He then challenged the justice to expose the senior lawyer involved since there are only five senior lawyers with a case before her.
“My Lord, a news was all over the media that a senior lawyer with case before you was attempting to bribe you.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with a case before this Honorable Tribunal, I deem it necessary to urge my Lord to name the SAN.
“We are five Senior Advocates with cases before you My Lord, for clarification and the interest of our reputation, My Lord should identify this lawyer”.
In her response, Justice Azinge told Musa that she was misunderstood.
“I didn’t say that Counsel, what I said was that there is allegation that money is transferred to the account of an orderly of one of us and a tribunal staff by a lawyer.
“The said staff is currently under investigation on this matter.
“A lawyer has attempted to bring meat for me during Eidl Kabir celebration which I declined and cautioned him that it is unethical.
“I’m here to serve with integrity and patriotism and will not give way for corrupt practice. Justice is what I’m here for.” She said
