By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Nigeria For Peace(N4P) Project,an intervention project conceived and birthed by patriotic like-minds civil society organizations, among others,has commended President Bola Tinubu for his neutrality in all election Appeal cases that arose from the 2023 general elections.
This is contained in an Open Letter to the President signed by the Convener of the Project,Amb. Ibrahim Waiya,and the Co-Convener,Chief Mulade Sherrif,a copy of which was made available to Prime Time News on Tuesday.
The group also congratulated Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court which affirmed his election as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We wish to start by congratulating you on your victory at the Supreme Court in the 2023 presidential election case. On behalf of the peace-loving citizens and democrats, we commend you for your outstanding demonstration of nationalism, patriotism, and democratic culture by remaining neutral in all the election cases in the Supreme Court, especially those involving states won by opposition parties.
“This has not only proved that you are a true democrat, a patriotic and selfless leader but also a leader who believes in the national interest above partisan and selfish interest.
“Your Excellency, Sir, if you could recall, there were many election appeal cases before the Supreme Court, which originated from Election Tribunals and went to Appeal Courts, mostly challenging the judgments against some Governors who were declared winners by INEC, especially in some opposition states.
“The cases created tension and fear capable of igniting crises if justice was not served. Indeed, we commend your resilience for supporting all efforts aimed at upholding democratic best practices which emphasize the recognition of the people’s mandate.
The Project also noted the steadfastness of the Justices of the Supreme in delivering judgements in the appeal cases brought before them.
“We equally acknowledge the steadfastness of our respected Justices at the Supreme Court for demonstrating patriotism, and for not allowing themselves to be used to suppress the will and mandate of the Nigerian citizens.
“This singular effort has helped to restore the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, avert potential political conflicts and chaos in the affected States, and across the country, and as well proved that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and indeed, the temple of justice,” it said.
The Project also stated that:”The election petition judgments of 12th January, 2024, would be celebrated in the history of Nigerian democracy, as they redeemed the image of the Nigerian judiciary, and saved our democracy from collapse at a time when Nigerians have almost lost confidence in the system.
“It is our strong belief that the judgments of the Supreme Court in all the election petitions cases have asserted the supremacy of the Apex Court in the land, with highly learned men and women ready to make sacrifices to save our dear country, Nigeria.
The group then congratulated the Governors whose election victory was affirmed by the Supreme Court and implored them “to collaborate with the Federal Government under your stewardship and support in the efforts to revamp the nation’s economy and critically address the security challenges confronting the nation,poverty, as well as focus more on development projects that will impact positively on the lives of the people in their respective States.
“It is imperative to suggest to our Governors to run an all-inclusive government, by extending a hand of fellowship to the opposition where necessary.
“We equally wish to recognize the commitment of the security agencies and other stakeholders for their show of patriotism, and for meticulously discharging their duties during the turbulent period of anxiety and frustration in the country,” the Project added.