The Kano State government has expressed deep concern about an alleged scheme to influence the members of the National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal within the state. The government has raised suspicions toward a prominent figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who is currently facing serious corruption allegations.
According to a statement released by the State’s Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, late on Wednesday night, the State government became aware of an assertion made by the Tribunal’s chairman, Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge. The statement claimed that an attempt had been made to offer a member of the panel of Justices monetary inducement, with the aim of swaying justice in favor of a specific candidate.
The Kano State government expressed a heightened level of concern regarding this allegation. There is substantial speculation circulating that influential figures within the APC, with a keen interest in the Kano Election Petition Tribunals, might be aiming to replicate actions similar to what was purportedly done in 2019.
“They are all out to use whatever means to sway justice as was done previously.
“It is an open secret that these strong forces who are well-known for their corrupt attitude are working tirelessly to scuttle the hard-earned mandate of the people of Kano state,” Dantiye stated.
The Commissioner further pointed out that the notable APC member appears to be empowered by what is widely regarded as his regrettable and undemocratic appointment as the APC chairman. There are speculations that he is actively seeking to manipulate the results of multiple Election Petition Tribunals, both within Kano and in other states as well.
“The state government views this as a litmus test for the present administration to show Nigerians its commitment to fighting corruption and defending democratic principles by ensuring that this case is thoroughly investigated and the culprits prosecuted. The anti-corruption agencies are equally expected to swing into action, especially when this type of allegation was made in open court by a respected Judge.
“However, the government views with delight the action of the Tribunal chairperson Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge as a positive testimony that there is still hope in the Nigerian judiciary and there are Judges and Justices with a high sense of integrity abound in our
country.
“The state government also thanks the good people of Kano that voted for the NNPP into power with well over one million votes at a time when it didn’t have federal, state, local government and financial resources.
“The government, therefore, notes and appreciates the readiness of Kano people to defend their mandate through whatever means possible,” Dantiye stated.
