Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, addressed the nation on Sunday, urging Supreme Court justices to dispense justice with the utmost integrity, reminding them that God watches from above. Speaking from St. Augustine’s Parish in Lugbe, he warned political leaders against dirty tactics, rigging, or manipulating elections if they truly wish to serve the common good.
He began by urging citizens to keep hope alive after the recent presidential and National Assembly elections, which concluded last Saturday. “Many people turned out and voted enthusiastically, believing that the promised transparency would be guaranteed,” he said. “When the process fell short in some cases, many felt it was compromised and called for street protests. Yet, thanks to the maturity of the top contenders, who urged caution and obedience to the law, we have avoided disaster.” Kaigama praised the public’s effort to register, obtain voter cards, and vote, even though the outcome did not meet expectations for transparency. He called for calm and peaceful conduct, noting that those dissatisfied with the results are now turning to the courts.
“Let the courts do their work with the greatest sense of justice,” he declared. “God above watches how the courts—hope of the common man and woman—perform. The supreme judge of the ultimate tribunal awaits those who dispense justice fairly, not those who act with bias or are compromised by material interests. Let justice be done, let peace reign, and may God protect Nigeria and all Nigerians.” He also urged Nigerians to avoid inflammatory statements and to remain engaged for the upcoming March 11 elections.
Kaigama emphasized that leaders should build cohesion and development rather than destroy past legacies. “Those who assume leadership should add building blocks of unity, serve rather than be served, build rather than destroy, and bind rather than divide,” he said. “For political leaders, there is no need to fight dirty, rig, or manipulate elections if the desire is to genuinely serve the common good.”
In a related statement, Professor Robert Dode, a political science scholar at Dennis Osadebay University in Asaba, Delta State, called on Supreme Court justices—especially those handling election petitions—to recognize that they are deciding the future of their own children and grandchildren. He urged accountability for INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and his team, whom he accused of compromising the February 25 presidential election results. “It is not about the petitioners but about what a credible election should be for there to be peace in Nigeria,” Dode said.
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