The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party has accused a group of Islamic clerics and the state’s legislative body of interfering in ongoing judicial matters. The party alleges that the Coalition of Bauchi State Islamic Scholars and the Bauchi State House of Assembly are attempting to politicize court cases involving individuals facing serious allegations.
In a statement, the party’s state secretary, Wada Abdullahi, described the clerics’ actions as an “assault on the judiciary’s independence.” Abdullahi noted that religious leaders are expected to promote fairness and justice, but instead, they have chosen to defend suspects and issue statements that lack basis. The party accused the coalition of shielding corrupt and criminal suspects at the expense of justice, demonstrating desperation and partisan inclinations.
The PRP also criticized the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, for allegedly turning the Assembly into a “rubber stamp” and defending members of the Executive who are facing investigation. The party views this as an unprecedented and condemnable act of partisanship, urging the Speaker to realign his stance with his constitutional duties of oversight and accountability.
The PRP’s concerns highlight the importance of protecting the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. The party called on the public to resist attempts to weaken judicial institutions, emphasizing that the rule of law must be protected above personal or political interests. This development comes as the state grapples with issues of corruption and accountability, underscoring the need for institutions to maintain their independence and impartiality.
The accusations made by the PRP have significant implications for the state’s judicial system and the role of religious leaders in the political process. As the cases in question continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how the various stakeholders will respond to the PRP’s allegations and whether the state’s institutions will be able to maintain their independence and integrity. The situation is being closely watched by citizens and observers, who are awaiting the next steps in this developing story.
