Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon (retd) has said that there’s a need for a strong, independent, and impartial judiciary.
Gowon made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the 15th edition of the PUNUKA Annual Lecture 2023 and symposium in honour of the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chike Idigbe.
He noted that as a beacon of the nation’s democracy, the judiciary cannot afford to fail in its role of protecting the lives and property of citizens through the instrumentality of the courts.
The ex-military Head of State pleaded with politicians who have challenged the outcome of the 2023 general elections to allow the judiciary to do its work.
“As we move forward as a nation, let us not forget the role of the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, in questioning the decisions of the lower courts.
“The public should be humble to accept decisions of the Supreme Court as final. Let those aggrieved by the outcome of the election give the judiciary the opportunity to do their job and let them accept the decisions of the tribunals as it is.”
Meanwhile, Gen Gowon poured encomium on the late jurist attested to his unwavering dedication to service and bravery in the dispensation of justice, adding that his life and works exemplify his integrity, courage, and judicial brilliance.
The Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidates and others are challenging the outcome of the presidential election.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, had on March 1 declared All Progressives Congress’ Bola Tinubu the President-Elect.
