Amidst the ongoing Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, the human rights movement, Good Governance for Better Nigeria (GGBN), has led over 300 members in a peaceful protest in Abuja. The group is championing the cause for equity and transparency, and has called on the judicial arm of government to consider national interest while delivering judgment at the tribunal.
Dr Abayomi Runsewe, the convener of GGBN and a human rights activist, has stressed the need for all political parties to receive a fair hearing at the tribunal. He warned that an “unfair” verdict might not augur well for the country because “it is a new dawn” for Nigeria.
The group held placards with inscriptions such as “Your Judgment will Either Make or Destroy Nigeria”, “Save Our Children’s Future”, and “Let’s Give Fair Judgment a Chance”. They chanted slogans advocating for justice and transparency in the legal process at the tribunal.
While the victory of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, in the February 25 presidential election is being challenged at the tribunal by some parties and their candidates, the GGBN made it clear that they do not support any political party but stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria in defence of justice and good governance.
According to Dr Runsewe, the organization was not against the inauguration of the President-elect on May 29. He urged the judiciary to consider the cases based on merit so that after the judgement, some groups will not feel cheated.
“We want to raise a new consciousness in Nigeria, we want an egalitarian society, a Nigeria that is pragmatic in nature, where things are judged on merit,” Dr Runsewe said. “We are urging the judiciary to be fair to all sides and give a good verdict. We are talking about the Presidential Election Tribunal, we are concerned that it is a new dawn, we don’t want things that will be as usual, we want a new Nigeria and we believe that the judiciary is going to be up to the task and give a good judgment.”
The GGBN has called on other human rights organizations and concerned citizens to join them in their advocacy for justice, equity, and transparency in Nigeria.
