The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted over the comment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Oluwakayode Ariwoola, about the party’s five aggrieved governors popularly known as G5 governors.
Naija News reports that the Special Assistant on Public Communications to the presidential candidate of the PDP, Phrank Shaibu picked on the CJN saying he should remain neutral and desist from passing political comments about the G5.
According to him, the rate at which the CJN makes remarks in support of the G5 governors of the PDP led by the Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike has become frequent.
His reaction follows Ariwoola’s open expression of gladness about the Oyo state governor being a member of the G5 governors of the PDP.
Naija News reported yesterday that the CJN, who is also from Oyo state said “That is why we should not be scared to have these men of the integrity group.
“And I am happy that my own governor is among them because he would try to imitate his friend and in-law because we came here to marry for my governor.
“So, Governor Wike will always threaten that he will call back his sister if my governor fails to play ball. That is why you see him following his Excellency (Wike) because my governor is afraid of his wife being recalled.”
Naija News gathered that Shaibu in a statement frowned at his recent familiarisation with the G5 governors saying “Last month, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, inaugurated 277 election petition tribunal members to adjudicate on matters arising from the 2023 General Elections in the country.
“At the event, Justice Ariwoola warned judges to remain neutral and impartial during this political season. He also warned politicians against trying to induce judges.
“However, it may seem the honourable CJN is not ready to lead by example going by his recent utterances and open and blatant hobnobbing with politicians.
“On October 30, 2022, the CJN, who is from Oyo State, was hosted to an elaborate reception by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. At the event, Justice Ariwoola sat with Makinde and other governors who now pride themselves as the G5.
“But it may seem Justice Ariwoola continues to enjoy the company of politicians. On Thursday, November 24, 2022, the CJN was in Rivers State, this time as a guest of Governor Nyesom Wike who also happens to be a member of the G5.
“Apparently, overwhelmed by Wike’s lavish reception at the inauguration of judiciary projects, the CJN said at the live event that he was happy that Governor Makinde was a member of the G5 and solidly with Governor Wike.”
Shaibu also recalled that the CJN acknowledged the presence of the group of five governors at the gala night and judiciary project inauguration which was held in Rivers.
On that premise, the spokesman appealed to stakeholders in the judiciary to caution the CJN, noting that “This is why it is important for the Nigerian Bar Association, the Body of Benchers and all other reputable organisations in the judiciary to immediately caution Justice Ariwoola against desecrating the exalted office of the CJN.”
Other members are the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom who is the Chairman, the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Seyi Makinde and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.
They have been agitating that the PDP National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu resigns or be removed for a person of southern extraction, and following the removal of Ayu to resign, they have refused to support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Add Comment