The Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, has commended the judiciary for living up to its responsibilities as the evenhanded umpire in the administration of justice.
Reacting to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of the extension of the tenure of five state governors, including Kogi State, the senator said that the ruling remains another landmark in the annals of the judiciary.
The Supreme Court on Friday quashed the ruling of two lower courts, which had kept the five governors in office beyond the constitutionally allowed period.
A statement issued by Michael Jegede, Special Assistant on Media to Abatemi-Usman, quoted the senator as saying: “The judgement of the Supreme Court on the tenure elongation case would further reinforce the confidence that Nigerians repose in the judiciary as an unbiased empire.”
The 40-year-old senator further stated: “As we await further interpretation of the judgment, especially its implication on other lingering legal tussles, the ensuing compliance of the respective states with the judgement, as well as the Federal Government’s directive thereto, as evident in the inauguration of the speakers of the Houses of Assembly of the affected states, the judgement will go a long way in strengthening the rule of law, which would ultimately nurture our nascent democracy to greater height.”
He congratulated former Governor Ibrahim Idris on the successful completion of two terms in office as the governor of Kogi State, while wishing him success in his future endeavours.