Blessing Agho, Edo State Coordinator of the Obidient 4AsueOgie movement, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary system.
This call to action comes amidst the Edo State Tribunal’s ongoing hearings of the petition filed by Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, challenging Senator Monday Okpevbholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.
Agho emphasized that the sustainability of Nigerians depends on the judiciary’s integrity for survival.
In an open letter to President Tinubu, she highlighted his statesmanship as one that transcends politics, seeking to reaffirm the collective belief in justice, fairness, and the sanctity of the democratic process in Edo State.
According to her, “Edo State is at a critical juncture, where the survival of its people depends on the integrity of the judiciary and the commitment to protecting democracy”.
”We, the citizens of Edo, are pleading with you to protect the integrity of the ongoing tribunal process and allow justice to prevail”.
”Yet, what we have witnessed post-election is an affront to the principles of democracy. Governor Okpevbolo, the declared winner, has shown through his actions and inactions that he lacks the capacity and temperament to lead our great state.
In just two months of governance, Edo State has been plunged into disarray.
”The gubernatorial election of 2024, meant to be a beacon of hope, has become a source of anguish” she stated.
More troubling, according to Agho are the allegations of violence and undemocratic activities of Governor Okpevbolo’s administration, stressing that his appointees have been implicated in attacks on Edo citizens and the judiciary, with thugs invading court premises, harassing judges, and intimidating security personnel.
Agho also revealed that, the APC State Chairman’s public disrespect for a senior police officer during their invasion of the PDP State Secretariat further highlights the disregard this administration has for law enforcement and authority in Edo State.
She said such actions not only erode the rule of law but also undermine the very structure of the democracy.
The appeal to President Tinubu is particularly significant, given concerns about the independence of the judiciary.
