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“HISTORY WILL JUDGE YOU!”: Pat Utomi Issues Chilling Warning To Nigerian Judiciary Over Role In Election Controversies!.
Professor of Political Economy Pat Utomi has launched a scathing critique of the Nigerian judiciary, accusing it of undermining democracy through its role in deciding election outcomes [cite: 1]. In a statement on his X handle on Saturday, Utomi warned that if judges fail in their duty to uphold justice and protect the democratic process, they will be remembered as contributors to the nation’s decline [cite: 2, 4].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Utomi argued that the legitimacy of the current administration’s mandate is questionable, citing low voter participation as a sign of democratic weakness [cite: 3, 5]. Emphasizing that courts are not just for dispute resolution but are the guardians of constitutional order, he called on the judiciary to rise to the responsibility of protecting democracy and the Nigerian people [cite: 6, 7].
Option 2: Journalistic Style (More descriptive)
UTOMI’S FURY: Elder Statesman Accuses Judiciary of Betraying the Nigerian Dream in Blistering Condemnation
Renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi has delivered a blistering indictment of the Nigerian judiciary, decrying its pivotal role in determining the outcomes of elections [cite: 1]. Writing on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Utomi delivered a stern warning to the bench, declaring that “history will judge the role that the judiciary plays in every election cycle” [cite: 2].
Utomi stressed that a democracy is only as resilient as the institutions designed to protect citizens’ rights, and he placed a heavy burden of responsibility on the courts [cite: 4, 6]. He warned that if judicial officers fail to redeem public confidence and uphold justice, they risk being judged by history as having actively participated in forces that eroded the Nigerian dream [cite: 4].
The former presidential candidate also expressed deep concern over the state of the nation’s democratic mandate, noting that historically low voter participation signals a crisis of legitimacy for the current administration, which he characterized as a “minority government” [cite: 3, 5]. He concluded with a passionate plea for the judiciary and all institutions to fulfill their duty to safeguard democracy and the Nigerian people at this critical juncture [cite: 7].
Option 3: Formal Press Release Format
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Professor Pat Utomi Warns Judiciary Against Undermining Democracy Amidst Election Controversies
LAGOS, Nigeria – Professor of Political Economy Pat Utomi has issued an urgent statement regarding the critical role of the Nigerian judiciary in the electoral process. In a post on his verified X handle this Saturday, Professor Utomi expressed grave concern over judicial interventions in deciding election outcomes and the broader implications for the nation’s democracy.
Professor Utomi emphasized that the strength of a democracy is intrinsically tied to the strength of the institutions that protect the rights of its citizens. He stated clearly that the judiciary bears a fundamental responsibility to act as the guardian of justice, constitutional order, and the democratic process, rather than merely serving as a forum for dispute resolution.
Addressing the current political climate, Professor Utomi highlighted the concerning issue of low voter participation, which he argued raises serious questions about the strength of the democratic mandate. This lack of broad citizen engagement led him to describe the present administration as operating with a “minority government” status in terms of its electoral mandate.
In a direct admonishment to the bench, Utomi declared that “history will judge the role the judiciary plays at this moment.” He warned that failure to uphold public confidence and justice would result in history remembering those entrusted with upholding the law as having contributed to the decline of the Nigerian dream.
Professor Utomi concluded by calling upon every institution, particularly the judiciary, to rise to the solemn responsibility of protecting democracy and the Nigerian people.
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The National Vice-Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has maintained that there is no constitutional provision preventing Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, from contesting the Imo West senatorial seat in the 2027 elections while still serving as governor.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Arodiogbu, who also serves as the South-East Co-Zonal Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, made the clarification while responding to arguments questioning the governor’s eligibility.
He cited Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that “the Governor shall not, during the period when he holds office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever.”
According to him, the provision only prohibits a sitting governor from occupying two offices simultaneously and does not prevent the person from seeking a party nomination, contesting or winning another election.
Arodiogbu also referenced Section 68(1)(f) of the Constitution, which requires a lawmaker to vacate his legislative seat upon assuming an executive position.
He argued that the provision recognises the possibility of moving between executive and legislative offices, provided the two positions are not held at the same time.
He said, “There is no constitutional impediment against Senator Hope Uzodinma’s aspiration. The Constitution does not require a sitting governor to resign merely because he desires to contest another election. What it forbids is dual occupancy of offices.
“Should he win the senatorial election, he would resign as Governor before taking the oath of office as a Senator. That is the clear position of the law.”
The APC chieftain further stated that appellate courts, in interpreting Sections 66, 107, 137, 182 and 183 of the Constitution, had held that resignation was only necessary when a candidate was about to assume a new office.
He added that no provision of the Electoral Act imposes a general restriction on a sitting governor seeking election into the Senate.
Arodiogbu also argued that Uzodimma’s tenure, which is expected to end in January 2028, does not constitute a legal obstacle, insisting that any transition would be carried out in accordance with the Constitution after the inauguration of the new National Assembly.
He said, “The law is clear, the Constitution is clear, and the judicial authorities support this position.
“Those peddling the contrary view are either deliberately misinterpreting the Constitution or attempting to create political distraction. Senator Hope Uzodinma remains free to pursue his legitimate political aspiration without any constitutional disability.”
He reaffirmed the APC’s support for Uzodimma as its candidate for the Imo West senatorial seat and urged party members to disregard what he described as speculative legal arguments.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on October 29, ruled that former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, won the APC senatorial primary for the district.
The Imo State Government has indicated that it would appeal the judgment.
Human rights activist and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has vowed that the party will adopt a tougher approach ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yesufu declared that the NDC would be both refined and rugged, insisting that no group or individual had a “monopoly of madness.”
She warned that the party would not tolerate intimidation or attacks against its members, adding that supporters would stand their ground whenever they were threatened.
Naija News reports that she made the declaration on Thursday following an attack on NDC supporters ahead of the party’s town hall meeting at the Classic Event Centre in the Oregun area of Lagos State.
According to Yesufu, the political campaign was not solely about the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, but belonged to everyone supporting the movement.
She said, “In 2023 we were refined, in 2027 we will be refined and rugged. Nobody has monopoly of madness and anybody wey say him dey crase we go send am go psychiatric hospital. We are not slaves, we are citizens. This campaign is not Peter Gregory Obi campaign, it is our campaign.”
Recall that the NDC town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos State, turned violent after suspected political thugs invaded the venue and attacked party supporters.
According to The Cable, the attackers, who were armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones, disrupted the event and forced participants to flee for safety.
Chairs and other items at the venue were reportedly scattered during the attack.
The incident allegedly left some supporters injured and several vehicles damaged. A journalist covering the event was also reportedly assaulted, while his recording equipment was taken.
The confrontation later spread to Kudirat Abiola Way, disrupting traffic before police operatives arrived and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The Zamfara State Commissioner for Commerce, Tasiu Musa Shinkafi, has died at the age of 50.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Shinkafi reportedly passed away on Wednesday in Kaduna State following a brief illness.
News reports that Governor Dauda Lawal announced the commissioner’s death in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.
Reacting to the development, Lawal expressed sadness over the loss, describing Shinkafi’s death as an irreparable loss to the state government and the people of Zamfara.
The governor noted that the late commissioner’s contributions to governance, politics and public service would remain memorable.
He said, “With heavy hearts and in total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (T), we received the shocking news of the passing of the Commissioner for Commerce, Tasiu Musa Shinkafi.
“Tasiu’s death is a great loss not only to his family and the state government, but also to the people of Zamfara.
“He will be remembered for his dedication, honesty, and commitment to Zamfara State.
“He served diligently as Commissioner for Youth and Sport before being redeployed to the Ministry of Commerce.
“As a valued member of my administration and a brother in service, his contributions to governance, politics, and public service will be remembered.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and give his family the strength to bear this great loss.”
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