A group loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the platform of the National Coalition of APC Progressives Stakeholders has condemned a protest staged in London on Sunday against the Nigerian judiciary, accusing the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano of blackmail.
On Sunday, a group protested against the Nigerian government and judiciary in London.
The APC group, which accused Kano State governor Abba Yusuf and the NNPP’s state leadership of sponsoring the protest, described the London outing as shameful.
The Kano State Governorship election petition tribunal’s judgement sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP due to irregularities. Over 165,000 votes were tump-printed and stuffed into the ballot boxes unlawfully without the official stamp or signature of the presiding officers.
Addressing a press conference Monday in Abuja, the group’s National Secretary, Barr, reacted to the development. Isabella Odunayo called on the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Service to investigate the sacked Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf and the leadership of the NNPP over the development.
Barrister Odunayo said: “After failed attempts to discredit the tribunal ruling, the NNPP’s desperation took them to London, where it sponsored a protest to blackmail the Federal Government and discredit the tribunal judgement. Unknowingly to the organizers, Nigerians in the diaspora had watched clips of the jubilation that followed the APC victory at the tribunal, so Nigerians in London ignored the sponsored protest.
“It is shameful that Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Kwankwasiyya Movement only got eight persons for a protest which targeted about one thousand (1000) people, a sign that Nigerians both home and in diaspora accepted the judgement in good faith.
“The NNPP should be aware that, the judiciary can not be intimidated by its threat as security agencies in Nigeria are fully prepared to secure the Country. The eight people led by Dr Aminu Bello who embarrassed themselves yesterday in London do not represent the interest of Nigerians.
“It is barbaric and indeed archaic for the NNPP to toll the part of blackmail calling for justice in faraway London when justice has already been served with the tribunal’s judgment.
“It is unpalatable to speak ill of the judiciary because your stealing antics were uncovered. Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf has no shame which is why he is still sponsoring the Campaign against the judiciary.
“We advocate particular trial for electoral offenders like Governor Abba Yusuf where he may be jailed for election theft.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Service to commence an investigation of the out-going Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the leadership of the NNPP ahead of their prosecution.
“It is by such actions that some desperate politicians may desist from rigging and instilling violence during elections.
“We are optimistic that the Appeal Court judges shall also deliver judgement on its merit.”
