John Mayaki’s recent commentaries on the Edo State Governorship Election Petition represent a shocking affront to the sanctity of the judicial process. With unwarranted hubris and a brazen disregard for due process, Mayaki has appointed himself a public adjudicator, making sweeping pronouncements on a case still under tribunal review. By dismissing the petitioners’ evidence as “worthless and watery,” and confidently predicting they will “labour in vain,” Mayaki is not merely airing an opinion; he is actively undermining the integrity of the judiciary and the principle of fair hearing.
His remarks, amplified through social media and public platforms, are not only premature but also prejudicial. Such statements, cloaked in arrogance, cast a dangerous shadow over the tribunal’s proceedings. They threaten to influence public perception and erode confidence in the impartiality of the Honourable Justices overseeing the case. The rule of law demands that every case be judged solely on its merits within the confines of the courtroom—not in the court of public opinion shaped by reckless commentators.
Mayaki’s actions establish a troubling precedent. By dismissing the petitioners’ evidence with contempt, he disrespects not only the tribunal but also the legal practitioners who have worked diligently to present their case. The judiciary is a cornerstone of democracy, not a platform for theatrics or grandstanding. Mayaki’s behavior, which appears motivated by partisan loyalty and self-promotion, demands swift and unequivocal condemnation.
It is vital that the Chairman of the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, takes decisive action. Justice Kpochi should issue a stern warning to Mayaki and, by extension, the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose interests his inflammatory remarks seem designed to serve. Mayaki must be reminded that his role is not to pre-empt the tribunal’s judgment but to respect its process and allow the evidence to speak for itself. The courtroom is a sacred space where justice is pursued with integrity, free from the external noise of uninformed opinions and partisan biases.
Mayaki’s audacious commentaries are more than just an individual misstep—they are a disservice to democracy and a direct attack on the credibility of the judiciary. If left unchecked, his words could embolden others to treat the judicial process with similar contempt, thereby weakening public trust in one of the nation’s most vital institutions.
The call to action is clear: all stakeholders must unite in rejecting this egregious behavior. Respect for the courts and adherence to due process are non-negotiable pillars of our democracy. By holding Mayaki accountable and demanding decorum in public discourse, we uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of our judicial system.
Agbonavbare Emmanuel Doni, an indigene of Edo State, writes from Benin City.
