One of the contestants for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party for the gubernatorial election in Kogi State, which was held in December 2011, Jibrin Isah, has questioned the position of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission on the interpretation of the verdict of the Supreme Court as it affects his state.
Jega had after the Supreme Court ruling, which cut short the tenure elongation bid of five governors, including that of Kogi, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, said the commission would not conduct a fresh election in Kogi State.
Rather, Jega directed that the winner of the gubernatorial election, which INEC conducted in the state in December 2011, Captain Idris Wada, should be inaugurated as the substantive governor of the state.
Dates were then announced for election in the four other states affected by the judgement, with that of Adamawa State held yesterday.
But Jibrin, in a statement today, said that it was wrong for Jega to have made himself the interpreter of the Supreme Court judgement as it affects Kogi State.
In the statement signed by the Director of Communication and Strategy of the Jibrin Isah Camapign Organisation, Phrank Shaibu, Jega’s authority was questioned by Isah.
The statement, titled: “Is Prof, Jega the new CJN?”, reads in full: “The Jibrin Isah Campaign Organisation views with utter dismay, statements credited to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the political logjam in Kogi State. Rather than seek the correct interpretation of the Supreme Court’s verdict in a competent court of law, Professor Attahiru Jega audaciously arrogated to himself the powers of the court when, with an air of finality and impunity, ‘directed’ that Captain Idris Wada be ‘immediately sworn in as the governor of Kogi State.’
“By this statement, Jega confirmed to Nigerians and the international Community, perhaps unwittingly, that he was an apologist of the Peoples Democratic Party and that he was a man ever willing to do the bidding of his appointors.
“It is disheartening, therefore, to see an Institution that is financed by the Nigerian People to assail and flagrantly treat the constitution of Nigeria with disdain as well as arrogate to itself the powers of the apex Constitutional Court in the land. The Pertinent question is: What is INEC attempting to hide? Whose interest(s) is INEC trying to protect? We assert, very strongly, that it is not the desire of the Nigerian People, to whom Sovereignty belongs.
“We are shocked that the judgement of a constitutionally recognized and well constituted authority like the Supreme Court which was written in plain English language could be misinterpreted and flagrantly violated for alleged selfish purposes.
“Jega and his INEC should know that, an electoral umpire is expected to be impartial unto death. He is like a judge, required to do justice and be fair to all concerned. He is a referee, expected to apply the rules and respect the rights of all parties. He is the co-ordinator of an orchestra expected to ensure the best performance of the ensemble.
“Now that it is obvious that the judiciary has performed its duty honestly and diligently, we urge the authorities responsible for the implementation of such a landmark judgment to ensure that the orders of the Apex Court are put into action and obeyed by all. Therefore, we strongly call on the Federal Government and all lovers of democracy to initiate legitimate moves that will uphold the rule of law, sustenance of peace and fuller lives in our communities in Kogi State.
“As a disciplined campaign organisation, we believe that the Courts remain the bastion of hope in the defense of the rights of the oppressed; and it is traitorous when an institution, financed from our collective patrimony and purportedly in collusion with the terrestrial powers, impugns the authority of our Judiciary, particularly our very esteemed SUPREME COURT.
“We remain calm that irrespective of the odious proclivities of institutionalized impunity in the land, Justice shall be done in this matter.”
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