Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayoode Ariwoola, has refuted allegations claiming that he engaged in a telephone conversation with President Bola Tinubu and the Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi. The alleged conversation was said to be related to the pending post-election petitions before the Presidential Election Petitions Court.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information of the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande, on Wednesday, the CJN firmly asserted that the judiciary has no intentions of favoring any of the petitioners or respondents in the pending court cases. Specifically, he emphasized that there would be no favoritism towards Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), or Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
The CJN expressed his concern over the spread of false information and rumors on social media. He urged Nigerians to cooperate with the judiciary in order to fulfill its duty of serving the country to the best of its ability.
He further emphasized the significance of adhering to the rule of law and the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution in all court matters. The CJN assured the public that justice will prevail in all pending cases across the country, regardless of the individuals involved. He encouraged everyone to continue following the proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal diligently rather than engaging in unfounded speculations and rumor-spreading that could be detrimental to the nation’s progress.
In conclusion, the CJN reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair judgment in all cases before the courts.