The NRC, through insights shared by Obi, said it has come to understand that the judgment mixed principles and precepts.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The National Rescue Congress (NRC) has affirmed its support for former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, noting that his press conference on Monday eloquently echoed the troubling sentiments that permeate national consciousness following the Supreme Court‘s judgement on October 26, 2023.
Mr. Obi said that “the Court’s decision contradicts the overwhelming evidence of election rigging, false claim of a technical glitch, substantial non-compliance with rules set by INEC itself, as well as matters of perjury, identity theft, and forgery that have been brought to light in the course of this election matter.” He further criticised the apex court, stating, “More appalling, the Supreme Court judgment willfully condoned breaches of the Constitution relative to established qualifications and parameters for candidates in presidential elections.”
By disregarding its constitutional role to defend the rule of law and justice, the Supreme Court, according to Obi, “has transferred a heavy moral burden from the courtrooms to our national conscience.”
The NRC, in a statement dated November 6, said it stands with Obi in observing that Nigeria’s young democracy has become the ultimate victim of this legal drama.
The group said Obi encapsulated the gravity of the court’s decision, articulating that “without equivocation, this judgment amounts to a total breach of the confidence the Nigerian people have in our judiciary.” He noted the paradox that while the Supreme Court’s ruling may represent the state of the law in 2023, it starkly contrasts with the present demand for substantive justice.
The NRC, through insights shared by Obi, said it has come to understand that the judgment mixed principles and precepts, setting a concerning precedent for Nigeria’s legal system.
“The words of Hon. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad (JSC) in his valedictory remarks only add weight to our apprehension about the judiciary’s direction.
“Furthermore, Mr. Obi’s firm disagreement with the rulings of the Presidential Petitions Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court demonstrates a profound commitment to the rule of law and the sovereignty that belongs to the people. He stated, ‘After all, SOVEREIGNTY BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE! If only for historical purposes, it behooves us to place our disagreement and deep reservations about this judgment on public record.’
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“The NRC recognises the dire consequences of weakened national institutions on our democracy. The events of 2023, as highlighted by Mr. Obi, ‘have been quite remarkable and revealing.’ He lamented that ‘INEC has demonstrated incompetence…Political expediency has preceded judicial responsibility. A mechanistic application of technicalities has superseded the pursuit of justice and fairness.’
“In the face of daunting adversities and palpable erosion of judicial sanctity and democratic values in Nigeria, the path we tread is not just a choice but a mandate of our collective destiny,” the statement said.
The NRC called on Nigerians to rise with hearts emboldened by the unyielding quest for justice and arms linked in solidarity.
“Rise to reclaim the essence of our nation, to safeguard our democracy, to defend the sanctity of our rights and the hope of our progeny. We stand at the crossroads of history, where our actions, our vigilance, and our resolve will echo through time.
“Let us then march forward, not with the fury of hatred but with the indomitable spirit of peace and righteousness. Let us ignite the flames of change with the torches of nonviolent resistance, peaceful protests, dissent and the conviction that the light of democracy shall never be extinguished.
“In unity, there is strength. In action, there is change. In perseverance, there is victory. May we stride forth with an unwavering belief in the inevitability of justice and the resurgence of a nation that thrives on the principles of liberty, equity, and the unassailable dignity of every Nigerian. Together, let us rescue the imperiled soul of our beloved country and secure the legacy of freedom and democracy for generations to come. Join NRC,” the statement added.
