Date Published: 03/31/10

Statement Issued to the Press by Equity Forum on Issues Arising from Sokoto State Governship Election 

Our attention has been drawn to the public outcry in relation to the Sokoto State Governorship Election petition, and the following are our stands. 

Having keenly followed the Election petition filed by D.P.P Governorship candidate Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi against the election victory of P.D.P Governor Wammako and attendant petitions that accompanied the proceedings against the Justices of the Appeal Court that sat on the Appeal which necessitated the Supreme Court to give a directive that the court of Appeal should not and/ or suspend the delivery of its judgment which was slated for 23rd day of February, 2010. 

However, the N.B.A has made its position known to the effect that the Supreme Court has no constitutional power to stop and/ or suspend the

judgment of the Court of Appeal in any manner whatsoever, temporarily or permanently. 

While looking at the merit of N.B.A position, we are saying unequivocally that the issue(s) bordered more on morality and/ or integrity .of the Justices of the Court of Appeal to deliver the judgment when aspersions has been cast on their integrity. To prevent a situation whereby the integrity of the entire judicial system would be in doubt, we submit with respect that the Supreme Court has done what is expected of it as the highest court of the land. 

Even, if the Supreme Court has remained silent, it behoves on the justices of the Court of Appeal against whom there is an avalanche of petitions to have, stepped aside and/ or refrain from delivering the judgment so as to give room for the National Judicial Council to investigate the petitions, and perhaps punish any of the justices found guilty of the allegation of bias as contained in the petition as well as clearing the names of those not found culpable of the alleged allegations.