The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has demanded sanctions against Appeal Court justices involved in the removal of Plateau lawmakers. Rep. Chinda Kingsley, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, made this call in a statement released in Abuja.
In November 2023, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja sacked all 16 members of the PDP in the Plateau State House of Assembly for pre-election matters, citing alleged disobedience of court orders and lack of political structure. Prior to this, the appeal court had also invalidated the elections of four PDP members of the House of Representatives from the state and two senators.
Kingsley, in his statement, commended opposition parties on the Supreme Court’s judgment that reinstated and upheld the victories of opposition governors in various states. He specifically mentioned Dr. Alex Otti of Abia, Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sen. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Alhaji Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Mr. Lawal Daudu of Zamfara State.
“We applaud the Supreme Court Justices for ensuring that the sanctity of the votes of the people of these states was not compromised. These decisions have renewed the faith of Nigerians in the judiciary as it has demonstrated that it is the last hope of the common man,” Kingsley remarked.
The caucus further emphasized the need to address the decisions of the Court of Appeal, stating that the same grounds used by the Supreme Court to set aside the judgments should prompt the reprimand of the justices involved.
Kingsley also extended commendations to the governors of the ruling party who were re-elected and expressed hope that they would prioritize the nation’s well-being above personal interests.
The Minority Caucus has resolutely highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the judicial system, urging accountability and fairness in adjudicating matters of national significance. This pursuit of justice and transparency resonates not only with opposition parties but also with citizens who prioritize the democratic process and its outcomes.
