The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has raised concerns about politicians’ interference that could compromise the integrity of election tribunal cases through corrupt practices.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, TMG has observed concerted efforts by certain individuals, including politicians and legal representatives, to exert undue pressure on the judiciary.
The statement reads: “At a time when democratic processes in the West African subregion are threatened by corruption, the revelation by the Chairperson of the Kano State Election Petition Tribunal about political attempts to manipulate justice through bribery is particularly disheartening. TMG commends the chairperson’s courage in coming forward but also expresses apprehension about the potential scope of such corruption across multiple tribunals.”
He further remarked that “TMG, alongside various civil society organizations, views these efforts to manipulate justice through corruption as a direct assault on the judicial system. If these actions persist, public trust in the judiciary’s impartiality in delivering judgments may further erode. Therefore, safeguarding the judiciary from political manipulation and the influence of corrupt elements becomes paramount.”
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“Recognizing the significance of investigative journalism and civic engagement,” Rafsanjani, who also serves as the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), stressed the need for proactive measures to insulate the judiciary from unscrupulous political activities.
The statement continued, “TMG urges the judiciary to use legal avenues to protect its independence and prevent its integrity from being undermined by external forces.”
“In light of Nigeria’s role as the chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the disparity between external commitments and internal challenges is noteworthy.
“The government’s response to allegations of bribery in election tribunals could impact its credibility in leading regional efforts to restore democracy.
“Amid these concerns, TMG emphasizes the shared aspiration of Nigerians for deepened democracy, as demonstrated by the 2023 elections. The judiciary’s role in ensuring justice is pivotal, and the ongoing revelations underscore efforts to obstruct citizens’ access to a fair legal process. TMG warns that such actions could lead to a perception of authority figures as illegitimate and potentially trigger instability,” the statement affirmed.
TMG urges all those who value Nigeria’s democratic progress to counteract the influence of self-serving and corrupt politicians. The group also denounces the removal of billboards advocating for transparent judicial activities, branding such actions as contradictory to democratic principles.
TMG underscores that citizens’ involvement in monitoring judicial proceedings is constructive and essential to maintain the fairness of justice delivery. The group raises the question of why any concerns should arise from the public’s keen interest in the activities of governmental bodies.
