Essential Ndubuisi
President Bola Tinubu has called on former Vice President and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to place faith in the independence of the judiciary and refrain from undue interference.
In a statement released last night through his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, President Tinubu addressed Atiku Abubakar’s recent remarks, describing them as disingenuous and unbecoming of a former Vice President.
“We have observed the recent statement made by former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. It appears that the former Vice President is yet to recover from the disappointment of his defeat and has resorted to making baseless claims that lack logical and rational support,” the statement read.
President Tinubu further emphasized that the allegations of the APC-led administration seeking to undermine the judiciary lack substantial evidence and are mere insinuations without foundation.
“Without providing any shred of evidence, Alhaji Atiku accused the current administration of attempting to compromise the judiciary. Such allegations are not only misleading but also damaging to the democratic ideals we uphold,” the statement added.
President Tinubu also highlighted his own history as a champion of democracy and the rule of law, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State under a PDP central government. He noted that he successfully challenged several decisions by the PDP-led Federal Government that undermined the rights of the states.
“With over 13 cases won at the Supreme Court against the PDP administration, my track record as a defender of the rule of law and independence of the judiciary remains unmatched,” President Tinubu stated.
He reiterated that the 2023 presidential election, which resulted in his victory, was free, fair, and credible, and he and the APC have no reason to undermine the judiciary’s integrity in seeking favorable judgments.
“President Tinubu and the APC have presented strong defenses in support of the election’s outcome, and we trust that the judiciary will impartially deliver its ruling based on the merits of the case and the evidence presented,” the statement affirmed.
In conclusion, President Tinubu urged Atiku Abubakar to respect the judiciary’s sanctity and allow the institution to carry out its duties without any form of harassment or interference. He called on the former Vice President to uphold the principles of statesmanship and refrain from making unfounded accusations that could tarnish the reputation of vital state institutions.
“Discrediting important state institutions for personal political gain is not a dignified approach for a former Vice President of Nigeria. It is time to end this desperation,” President Tinubu asserted.
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