A Concerned Citizen, ADR Practitioner, Media & Human Capital Consultant Social-Justice Entrepreneur, Abduyusuf Rufa’i has narrated how his lawsuit seeking the interpretation of Section 134 of the Nigerian Constitution as it relates to the constitutional declaration of the president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was stalled.
The activist had in the suit also asked the Court to use its inherent power to stop the swearing in or inauguration of any purported President on May 29th 2023 not DULY elected because of not meeting constitutional requirements or because of violating constitutional provisions and its inviolability in the last Presidential Election.
But according to Rufa’i, he was shocked when he was informed by senior court officials that his suit slated for the 24th of May could not be heard because there was an order from above.
In his words:
“My lawsuit was to be heard on on the Wednesday 24th but was stalled as my lawyer was informed by senior Court Officials that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria gave an order through a circular that no Judge of the Federal High Court in Nigeria should hear any case bordering on Presidential Election, Section 134 or Swearing In.”
The visibly distraught Rufa’i wondered how his fundamental right to seek justice could be trampled upon so brazenly.
Continuing, he said:
“• Is this order or action not a subversion of Justice and trampling of Citizens constitutional rights to seek redress and justice?”
“• Is the Order or action of Judge TSOHO not illegal and unconstitutional?
• By what authority or power did Judge TSOHO have to issue such an order?
• An even if he has such authority or power does it not subvert justice and trample or infringe on a Citizen’s constitutional or Fundamental Human and Inalienable Rights?
• Are Judges not supposed to be independent rather than be commanded and controlled by ORDERD from above?”
