Mahmud Mohammed, the chief justice of Nigeria, has admonished politicians to be mindful of their utterances, expressing concern over the reactions that have trailed the rulings of some election tribunals.
Mohammed urged those who are aggrieved to lodge petitions at the national judicial council, assuring them that appropriate investigations will be done and those found culpable will be sanctioned.
The head of the judiciary also lamented how some politicians subject judges to difficulties in the course of discharging their duties.
“The chief justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has admonished politicians, most especially heads of government, to refrain from disparaging the integrity and reputation of the judiciary,” read a statement issued on Mohammed’s behalf by Ahuraka Isah, his spokesman.
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“This is against the backdrop of reactions to outcomes of some governorship, national and state assembly election petition tribunal matters in the country, where some politically exposed persons, state governors and even lawyers to some litigants averred that these verdicts were influenced by money and political pressure.
“It is not enough to attack judges over corruption and bribery allegations and look away when thugs enter courts to beat judges, tear court processes and bomb the courts to prevent the delivery of some judgments.
“His lordship insists that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility especially amongst public officials, particularly the state governors who are equally the chief security officers of their respective states.
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“Corruption is a common denominator experienced by all sections of government and as such, each head of government should look inward to devise strategies that will clear the Augean stables of corruption.
“The Hon CJN urged state governors and public office holders to be sincere in the fight against corruption, noting that action speaks louder than words.”
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