By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
Ahead of the Governorship Election Tribunal judgement, the Bauchi Women Coalition for Sustainable Peace and Viable Democratic Gains, has appealed to the Bauchi State Governorship Election Tribunal to be just and fair in delivering its judgement on the Governorship Election held on March 18, this year.
Members of the group carried various placards and moved from Tashan Babiye, to Wunti, via Gidan Mai. Some of the placards they carried bore inscription like “Justice for the common man,” “Injustice will destroy democracy,” “let Justice prevail,” “We must not allow bribery and corruption”, among others.
The publicity Secretary of the group, Fatima Umar, said during a peaceful protest held in Bauchi State on Tuesday in Bauchi, that, "their group is a non-partisan, non-governmental organization in Bauchi State. As the people of the state await the verdict, we came out to appeal to the Governorship Election Tribunal to ensure that justice and fairness prevail as they deliver judgement in the ongoing case at the Tribunal, even though the tribunal is yet to fix the day they will deliver their judgement, since all facts are before the tribunal. We expect them to be fair and ensure that the true wishes of the people prevails".
Fatima also said, "this is not the first time we are doing this. We did it during during the 2019 Governorship Election Tribunal between governor Bala Mohammed and and former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar. Our group marched on the streets of Bauchi state and called on the then election Tribunal to be fair and just in giving judgement. Today, we are doing the same as part of our advocacy for fairness and justice, because judiciary is the last hope of the common man. The electorates in Bauchi state are fasting and praying to Allah to guide the Judges to be fair and just in their judgement".
The spokesperson for the group, Fatima Umar, told journalists that, “We are here to appeal to the judiciary to ensure that justice prevails as they deliver judgement in the Governorship petition before the Election Tribunal. The People of Bauchi State voted for a candidate of their choice, and their votes must count.
“We want to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as Minister for Justice and Attorney General. The minister has distinguished himself as a lawyer and legal personality of great repute. With his appointment, Nigerians can rest assured that the judiciary will indeed be the last hope of the common man.
“The people of Bauchi State remain confident that this time around, it will not be business as usual because the lives of citizens are involved.
"The group wishes to appreciate and commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing two illustrious sons of the State as Ministers and a Special Adviser. May their tenure and experience be beneficial to the nation at large and inclusive of women in their activities and development programme", Fatima Umar stated. NNL.
