The
former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday said
he had no apologies for refusing to do the bidding of politicians who wanted to
intimidate the judiciary.
His
remarks came just as President Muhammadu Buhari swore in his successor, Justice
Samuel Walter Onnoghen, as the acting CJN. Onnoghen will be the first person
from southern Nigeria to hold the post in 29 years after Justice Ayo Irikife
stepped down in 1987.
According
to him, it took the steadfastness of the judiciary to avert a replay of what
happened during the June 12, 1993 presidential election that was presumably won
by the late Chief MKO Abiola, during last year’s general election.
He
said: “During the run up to the 2015 elections, our judicial officers withstood
immense pressure, in order to guarantee a level playing field and smooth
transition of government, which ensured that we were spared a re-enactment of
the June 12 saga.
“In
fact, the courts, thus securing the electoral process, disallowed so many
frivolous matters aimed at truncating the electoral process.
“I
must particularly commend the Supreme Court for refusing to be intimidated or
influenced by any candidate or political party, and I make no apologies for the
firm stand that we took in our decisions.
“I
am proud to be a part of the Supreme Court which refused to be cowered into
truncating the electoral process. I am proud to have headed this noble arm of
government and steering it through some very stormy waters. I am proud of the
Nigerian judiciary.”
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