The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has expressed its concern and disappointment over the recent controversy surrounding the Appeal Court ruling that led to the removal of Governor Abba Yusuf, terming it a ‘scandalous judicial debacle’.
The Herald gathered that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, made public on Tuesday, contradicted the information read at the Court of Appeal last Friday.
Appearing on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson acknowledged the discrepancies and said that the matter would eventually find resolution in the Supreme Court.
Johnson, a legal practitioner, expressed his dismay at the current state of the country’s judiciary.
“It is very unfortunate that we have come to this low state as a country regarding the judiciary. I am a legal practitioner, and it hurts me; it pains the heart that this is the sort of situation that we find ourselves in,” Johnson said.
He highlighted the procedural irregularities, stating, “You just have a 14-day window to lodge your appeal at the Supreme Court, so when you deliver judgment on Friday and you don’t give the CTC to counsel till some five days later, it really makes no sense.”
The confusion arose when the CTC of the court judgment surfaced four days after the initial judgment had been delivered.
The governor, who was sacked by the state governorship election petition tribunal, is the appellant at the Court of Appeal.
The NNPP spokesperson called for transparency, urging the Court of Appeal to explain how the discrepancies occurred.
He emphasised the need for an unbiased panel to ensure justice for the people of Kano, who may find it challenging to comprehend the technicalities involved.
The case is scheduled for the Supreme Court, where further examination and clarification are expected.