Women protest in Abuja, ask s’court to be fair in Nasarawa guber dispute

A group of women on Thursday staged a demonstration in Abuja, the nation’s capital, asking the supreme court to be fair in its verdict on the Nasarawa state gubernatorial dispute.

The protesters, representing different non-governmental organisations (NGOs), carried placards which read “Democracy: Our votes, our rights”, and “Justice Uninfluenced is Justice Served” among others.

The apex court has fixed March 18 to deliver judgment in the case.

Following a petition by David Ombugadu, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nasarawa governorship election tribunal sacked Abdullahi Sule as governor of the state.

The tribunal also declared Ombugadu as the duly elected governor of Nasarawa.

However, Sule appealed the ruling and the judgment of the tribunal was reversed.

Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s verdict, Ombugadu filed an appeal at the supreme court.

Speaking during the demonstration, Lydia Auta, coordinator of the group, said the verdict of the apex court must be impartial.

“We stand here before you with heavy hearts, urging and entreating every individual who values the principles of justice and fairness to lend their voices in safeguarding the sanctity of the judicial process,” Auta said.

“It is imperative that the upcoming supreme court verdict be devoid of any external pressures or undue influence.

“The decision rendered by the highest court in the land should reflect an impartial and unbiased examination of the facts and evidence presented before it.

“We reiterate that our protest has always been peaceful, borne out of our unyielding belief in the power of peaceful, civic engagement as a means to address societal grievances.

“We have abided by the laws of our land and exercised our constitutional rights in a manner required of responsible citizens.

“The people of Nasarawa state and the entire nation deserve to witness a legal process that is conducted with absolute integrity and transparency, free from any hint of impropriety or bias.

“Our mandate was stolen from us, and we refused to let it go unchallenged. We call on the Nigerian people to examine the evidence and see why we are so steadfast in our demand for justice.

“The reports from INEC clearly show why we cannot compromise or back down.

“We stand for all the women who have been silenced and oppressed. Our fight is their fight, and we will not stop until justice is served.”

The coordinator said the apex court must show that it is truly the last hope of the common man.