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Over two weeks after all parties made their final arguments in the petitions challenging the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have grown apprehensive over what they regard as a delay by the tribunal to deliver judgment or at least set a date to deliver judgment.
The perceived delay may have been interpreted to mean different things. While some allege it was a ploy to tinker with the verdict, some others argue that the tribunal needed time to critically study the arguments of the parties in the dispute.
Some of those who spoke to BusinessDaySunday said that was the economic crisis and the rising cost-of-living crisis in the country that may have raised interest in whatever verdict the tribunal may deliver.
This, they said, was the reason for the increased campaign on social media platforms and billboards with the inscription, “All Eyes on the Judiciary.”
Some of those who shared their concerns with BusinessDay and via social media said the delay was unnecessary, alleging move to deny justice.
These fears and growing anxiety are largely due to the trust deficit Nigerians have for the judiciary system in Nigeria. A 2022 survey on citizens’ perceptions on governance in Nigeria by Anvarie Tech and ResearcherNG and Bincika Insights found that about 71 percent of Nigerians lack trust in the Judiciary.
The Presidential Petitions Tribunal is now seen as a test on the integrity of the judiciary.
The All Eyes On The Judiciary continues to trend on social media. Nigerians want to see an impartial, undisputable judgment from the five-man panel of judges led by Justice Haruna Tsammani.
Peoplesmind
