TheCable

Kayode Ajulo, a human rights activist, has cautioned Nigerians against making disparaging comments about judges of the presidential election petition tribunal (PEPT).

Recently, Jackson Ude and some other Twitter users alleged that Babatunde Fashola, former minister of works and housing, and lawyers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were writing the judgment that would be handed to the tribunal judges.

Reacting to the claim, Fashola described the allegation as “baseless and defamatory”.

The former minister has since petitioned the inspector-general of police over the allegation.

In a message titled: “Navigating democracy: Unraveling the Nigerian PEPT and public perceptions”, Ajulo said such comments were troubling and uncalled for.

He said there has been a growing trend of public disregard for both the ongoing tribunal and the broader Nigerian judiciary.

“Particularly alarming trend is the growing disrespect for the judiciary, characterised by absurd conspiracy theories, slanderous remarks, and baseless allegations often targeting the honourable justices,” he said

“One malignant trend I have noticed, which is slowly becoming the norm, is the utter disregard and disrespect of the judiciary by Nigerian citizens.”

He said such trends thrive due to historical perceptions of partiality, polarisation and the rapid spread of misinformation via social media.

Ajulo said this is characterised by conspiracy theories, slanderous statements and false accusations, which were majorly targeted at the justices.

He said it is imperative to recognise that a healthy democracy relies on the judiciary’s independence and credibility, making it crucial to address and counteract such negative sentiments.

The legal practitioner said the proliferation of misinformation often erodes public trust in the judiciary and undermines the fundamental tenets of democracy.

“In less than 24 hours, I have come across two separate posts on social media which are perfect examples of the negative sentiments in question,” Ajulo said.

“In the first post, the writer accused a former governor and minister of writing the judgment of the presidential election tribunal, which is yet to be announced.

“In the second post, which was a video, a pastor displayed the pictures of the presiding justices and asked his congregation to make certain declarations and lay hands on the justices.

“In addition to these, I have also come across several comments castigating and berating the justices, whilst accusing them of partiality and questionable practices.”

He noted that what is most upsetting about the accusations is the fact that the justices in question, by virtue of their calling, the ethics guiding their profession and the nature and sensitivity of their offices, are not afforded the luxury of addressing these “false claims”.

“After going through a number of these posts, articles and videos, I have come to the conclusion that these attacks are premeditated and can be traced to have originated from some particular groups and political affiliations,” he added.

He said the presidential tribunal remains the canvas capturing Nigeria’s democratic essence, principles, and sentiments.

He added that the judges are the guardians of justice, entrusted with the monumental task of upholding democracy’s core values.