The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has strongly criticized the recent Appeal Court ruling that led to the removal of Governor Abba Yusuf, labeling it a “scandalous judicial debacle.”
Quoting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, Ladipo Johnson, the spokesperson for NNPP, revealed, "It is very unfortunate that we have come to this low state as a country regarding the judiciary."
During an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, Johnson expressed concern over the discrepancies between the information read out last Friday and the contents of the official CTC report, stating, "You just have a 14-day window to lodge your appeal at the Supreme Court, so when you deliver judgment on Friday and you don’t give the CTC to counsel till some five days later, it really makes no sense."
The confusion arose when the CTC of the court judgment surfaced four days after the initial verdict, revealing potential mix-ups in the conclusions. The PUNCH reports that the initial verdict indicated the Appeal Court upheld the decision to sack Governor Abba Yusuf.
Quoting the last five contradictory paragraphs of the CTC, it stated, "In the circumstances, I resolve all the issues in favour of the appellant (Abba Yusuf) and against the first respondent (APC)." However, confusion arises when it continues, "I will conclude by stating that the live issues in this appeal are hereby resolved in favour of the 1st respondent (APC) and against the appellant (Governor Abba Yusuf)."
The NNPP spokesperson questioned the discrepancy, stating, "How is it that in the CTC signed by the judges, you have that conclusion? Were they two different judgments typed?"
He further raised concerns about the transparency of the process, emphasizing the need for an unbiased panel to ensure justice for the people of Kano.
The PUNCH had previously reported that the court determined Yusuf was not on his party's membership list, and Johnson addressed this by posing questions for the Supreme Court, stating, "A man who is not a member, can he have a membership card? But these are all questions for the lawyers at the Supreme Court to treat."
