By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Centre for the Protection of Rights of The Citizens has expressed dismay over the comments by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the decision of the Supreme Court to reserve judgement in the Zamfara State governorship election review case.
The group in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Amb. Muhammad bn Ahmad noted that PDP always cry when Court judgement is against them.
“We observed that it is in their character to always cry foul each time the decision of the court doesn’t work in their favour, we would like to remind them that the court is not in anyway obligated to do do their bidding but to serve justice to all irrespective of party affiliation, religion or ethnicity.
“We want to state unequivocally that over the years the Supreme Court being the highest court of the land have proven itself beyond reasonable doubt its tenacity to serve as the last hope for a common man and as such deserve more respect from Nigerians and in particular the Peoples Democratic Party.
“Without prejudice, we like to remind the whole world that the Zamfara governorship tussles was purely an intra party matter of which PDP was not a party to the litigation and because it was a case involving Governorship primary election only, we are hopeful that the consequential order earlier issued in favor of the PDP would be set aside in the interest of justice.
“The Peoples Democratic Party should understand that it have no right what so ever to dictate for the the Supreme Court and as such, we urge the apex court to take its time and study the appeal before delivering its judgement.
“Afterall the prayer of Senator Kabiru Marafa on this matter was more in favour of the dissolution of the entire election.
“Let us henceforth allay the fears of the general public and as well urge them to ignore every rumour peddled by the PDP of plots to manipulate the judicial process so as to secure judgment through the back door.
“As a Civil Society groups we believes that the Supreme Court will deliver its Judgement base on justice, equity and fairness.
“Therefore, we strongly warn that they should desist from using every opportunity to disparage the decision of the court.
“Meanwhile, we also advise the Justices of the Supreme Court not to be deterred on it commitment to dispense justice to all without fear or favour for the greater good for humanity.
“We want to state that Supreme Court Has the Powers to Review it’s Earlier Decision based on the submission of Justice Chukudipu Oputa and other reference clauses of the law.
“As we may all be aware, Delivering the lead judgment in *Adegoke Motors Ltd. v. Adesanya* [1989] 13 NWLR (Pt.109) 250 at page 275A *Justice Oputa* also known as the *Socrates* of the Supreme Court considered the powers of the Supreme Court (as the final Court in the land) to review its earlier decisions and said:
The group quoted statement attributed to Justice Oputa in the case of Adegoke Motors Vs. Adesanya
“We are final not because we are infallible; rather we are infallible because we are final. Justices of this Court are human-beings, capable of erring. It will certainly be short sighted arrogance not to accept this obvious truth. It is also true that this Court can do inestimable good through its wise decisions. Similarly, the Court can do incalculable harm through its mistakes. When therefore it appears to learned counsel that any decision of this Court has been given per incuriam, such counsel should have the boldness and courage to ask that such a decision be over-ruled. This Court has the power to over-rule itself (and has done so in the past) for it gladly accepts that it is far better to admit an error than to persevere in error.”
