A group, Unique Minds of Edo Heritage Organisation (UMEHO), has called on the judges in the ongoing Edo governorship tribunal case sitting in Abuja to be fair and transparent in handling all election cases brought before them.
Apostle Jerry Oshodin, the national coordinator of the group made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
Apostle Jerry particularly advised the judges of the tribunal to critically look into the cade challenging the INEC result that declared Senator Monday Okpebholo winner of the Edo governorship election held on the 21 of September 2024.
“We recognise the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles; the judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice, protection of citizens’ rights and preserving the credibility of the electoral process.
“Any actions that compromise these principles are undermining the very foundation of any democratic nation.
“Without a functioning judiciary, there is a risk of constitutional violations going unchecked, leading to the erosion of citizens’ rights and freedoms.
“But the fairness and transparency of the judicial system are vital in fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process,”he said.
The national coordinator further stated that, “It is imperative to emphasise that any attempt to manipulate or subvert the will of the people using judicial tools will not be accepted.
“The foundation of a robust democracy lies in the integrity of the electoral system and the adherence to fair and transparent processes.
“The citizens of Edo State have exercised their democratic rights, and their voices must be heard and honoured.
“Attempts to undermine the sanctity of these elections will not only jeopardise the democratic principles that Nigeria upholds but also erode public trust in the electoral process.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including the electoral authorities and the judiciary, to ensure a thorough and unbiased judgement as we trust the judges of the tribunal to deliver sound judgment,” the Coordinator called.
Apostle Jerry advised that the popular mandate expressed through the electoral process must be respected by all toward ensuring a sustained democratic value in Nigeria.
He also called on the judiciary to punish any INEC staff and security agents involved in any election manipulation.
