By Ishaya Ibrahim
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday made a veiled threat against the judiciary after the Supreme Court finally sealed the fate of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Rivers State.
The Supreme Court struck out an appeal filed by the APC challenging the judgment of a High Court in Port Harcourt which barred the party from conducting any primaries in the state to nominate candidates to represent the party in the forthcoming election.
Following Tuesday’s ruling which permanently shut the door against the APC in this election cycle, the ruling party has lost 32 House of Assembly seats, 13 House of Representatives positions, three senatorial positions and governorship and deputy governorship seats, even before the first ballot is cast on February 16.
Expressing his sadness over the decision of the Supreme Court which automatically bars the APC from all elections in Rivers, except the presidential poll, Buhari, who was campaigning in the embattled state vowed to ensure that justice was done in Nigeria.
“I am very disturbed by the decision that we are not allowed to participate in some of the processes. I have no doubt that I got elected but I have to respect the institutions that I inherited. I assure you and I recommend that you remain patient and resolute. We will ensure that justice is done in this country.”
The President who has had a running battle with the judiciary since May 29, 2015 also begged the electorate to “bear with him” as he continues to fix the country.
He said he would deploy the armed forces and the police in the state to ensure that all Nigerians are allowed to vote without intimidation.
