By Nicholas Ojo
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has backed Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) over remarks at an event organized by a group of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors known as G-5.
The CUPP described CJN’s remarks as harmless and not a sign of partisanship.
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CJN has been under criticism over his response to comments made last Thursday, in Port Harcourt, in which he said he was happy with the Oyo State Governor, Engirneer. Seyi Makinde’s membership of the G-5 governors led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
The Chief Justice was quoted to have said: “That is why we should not be scared to have these men of the integrity group. And I am happy that my own governor is among them because he would try to imitate his friend and in-law because we came here to marry for my governor.
“So, Governor Wike will always threaten that he will call back his sister if my governor fails to play ball. That is why you see him following his Excellency (Wike) because my governor is afraid of his wife being recalled.”
A group identified as the “Coalition of Civil Societies”, on Tuesday, staged a protest asking Ariwoola, the CJN, to resign for being allegedly partisan.
The protesters displayed placards that read ‘We demand an independent judiciary, peaceful 2023 general election’, ‘You are partisan, Ariwoola resign now’, among others.
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However, the CUPP on Wednesday in a statement by its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere noted that the attack and criticisms trailing the CJN over the comment is unnecessary.
The group said the comment does not mean the CJN is partisan, called on Nigerians to ignore the clamour for CJN’s sack, saying they were being spearheaded by mischief makers.
Ikenga explained that the opposition parties do not have any reason yet to doubt Ariwoola’s capacity as an eminent jurist noting that the CJN was rebuilding the image of the Supreme Court after years of assault.
While noting that they still have confidence in Ariwola leadership of Supreme Court, Ugochinyere however said CUPP is watching closely.
The statement reads; “The opposition parties understand fully well that issues bordering on misconceptions and misrepresentations are not new in times like this when the country is preparing for general elections, and when the citizens seek a free and fair election and unbiased judiciary.
“But the recent statement by the CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, which has continued to attract mixed reactions is absolutely harmless.
“We however will continue to have close watch and won’t hesitate to speak up, if we think otherwise. We urge Nigerians to ignore the clamour for CJN’s sack, these are actions of mischief makers trying to twist his comment on G5 governors,” the statement added.
QUEST TIMES had earlier reported that the Supreme Court has dissociated the CJN from a political statement credited to him on the activities of the G-5.