Benson Anya, a judge on the Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, has responded to Adamu Aliyu, a former commissioner of lands and physical planning for the state of Kano, who had threatened to kill tribunal members.
Anya believes that the threat made against the tribunal judges cannot go unpunished.
If the tribunal’s decision does not favor the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Aliyu has threatened to unleash chaos worse than that which inhabitants of the nearby cities of Kaduna and Zamfara are already experiencing. This was reported by Naija News.
In order to rule against the governor, Abba Yusuf, he forbade the judges from accepting bribes.
“I am conveying this message to the tribunal judges,” Aliyu added. “We want to tell any judge who allows himself to be manipulated, collects bribes, and renders judgment that is wrong that he must choose between his life and the bribe money he collected.
The votes made for His Excellency (Governor Yusuf) would not be in vain unless we perish or the Kano State falls, we are promising you (our supporters), we are hearing your grievances.
“Another instruction for the authorities. You have witnessed the violence (banditry) in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina, and I swear that everyone will perish as a result of this governorship seat.
The fight that begins in Kano would be deadlier than the ones in those states and Borno, according to experts.
In response to the threat, the state governor, Yusuf, expelled Aliyu from his position and distanced himself and his administration from his remark.
On Wednesday, the three-judge panel chaired by Oluyemi Asadebay announced its decision to remove Yusuf as governor of the state.
Nasiru Gawuna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, was also proclaimed the election’s victor by the tribunal.
Following the threat against them, the judges delivered their ruling online rather than being physically present in court, according to a previous report by Naija News.
Anya claimed in the certified authentic copy of the judgment that was made public on Friday that the former commissioner’s threat to kill them was an attempt to seize control by force and dissuade them from resolving the election petition with fairness.
He stated, “They took the stance that if they lost the lawsuit, they would kill the judges and set the citizens of Kano State on fire. This was widely reported in the media, both print and social. They made threats about bringing banditry and turmoil to Kano State. We can carry out our legal obligations in Kano as citizens of this nation.
We haven’t broken any laws by carrying out our adjudication job. I want to tell the political thugs who wish to use violence to seize power that they cannot intimidate the judges.
“The judicial system will always uphold justice. Every judge is a soldier of justice, and we are fortunate to have the fortitude to administer justice impartially and in accordance with the law.
“Where a party claims to keep the judiciary in mind and excludes it from his case, the judiciary will still carry out its duties. You turn away from your case, give up on it, and focus on amusing yourself by keeping a jaded watch on the legal system.
“The judiciary, as embodied by the honorable judges, shall focus on its role of decision-making and keep its own eyes on the law and justice. All judicial proceedings must inevitably come to a close with the court’s ruling.
We call this a judgment. After the court renders its verdict, the parties may only agree to it, respect it, and, if they are not satisfied, file an appeal.
The judge added that a party who lost a lawsuit or anticipated losing one “can only prepare to appeal against the lower court’s ruling or prepare to appeal.”
“This is what a civilized society can provide.
“Kano State is a cradle of civilization, as we all know. No party ever threatens to attack the court and the honorable judges as a result of losing a case or based on anticipation that a case would lose.
“It is wrong to threaten the entire Kano State polity with violence,” the court continued. A party is not allowed to incite violence and terrorism among the populace. The court’s ruling must not be interpreted personally in order to justify an assault and acts of violence against officials of the judiciary, as threatened by the representatives of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents.
“I take this opportunity to criticize the group of Red Cap wearers that drove us out of Kano and terrified us for our lives like a violent and terrorist cult. We consider Allah to be the only one who can bestow authority. Those who follow Allah must submit to his commands as well as to governmental authority.
“Relying on anarchy, violence, or murder cannot ever be a basis of legitimate power. This condemns the frustrated thugs who pretended to be politicians in Kano when they threatened to endanger the lives of honorable judges.
“Any judge who is worth his salt will always abandon and disregard any type of threat in order to uphold the law and dispense justice. Justice has been declared by the tribunal in the lead ruling, and we support this decision.
“I agree with the lead judgment and applaud my lord the Chairman for delivering this ruling despite threats from enraged losers to use fire and brimstone.
Politics can always wait for another day. I have no doubt that individuals who turned their attention away from their case and towards the judiciary are known to the security agencies. They are also aware of people who increased the danger by threatening to murder the judges.
It is important to not ignore this menace. Justice will be utilized to prevent some Kano politicians from using banditry and violence to overthrow democracy in Kano State. We do not want anarchy and terrorism to be encouraged in Kano State or to be as threatened by them as they are.
“We cherish our life as human beings and as citizens of our nation. Because we are judges with a duty to uphold the law, nobody should be able to threaten to endanger our lives. Allah is our primary protector, followed by the law. I applaud my colleagues for having a strong sense of fairness and sound judgment.