Avoid Using Technicalities To Undermine Democracy, Okutepa Warns Judges
Chief Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, has called on Nigerian lawyers and judges to refrain from using legal technicalities to undermine the nation’s democracy. Speaking at a roundtable discussion in Abuja organized by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Chief Okutepa emphasized the critical role of the judiciary in sustaining democratic governance and warned that democracy could be jeopardized if the judiciary neglects its responsibilities.
During the event, themed “The Role of the Judiciary in Nigeria’s Democratic Sustainability,” Chief Okutepa expressed concerns that some rulings by the Supreme Court, particularly those involving subpoenaed witnesses in election petition cases, were overly reliant on technicalities. He urged the court to reconsider such decisions to ensure justice is not compromised.
Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of safeguarding the judiciary from external influences. He called on political stakeholders to support efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and integrity within the judicial system to uphold democracy.
Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, Chairman of IPAC, highlighted the need for those serving in the judiciary to be principled, courageous, and God-fearing in their duties. He reminded attendees that judges play a critical role in dispensing justice on behalf of the ultimate Judge.
Panelists at the event encouraged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the political class, and the judiciary to collaborate in preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
