BUHARI VS ATIKU: Timi Frank sends strong warning to Tribunal

Timi Frank, a critic of the President Muhammad’s Buhari government, and a staunch supporter of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has sent a strong warning to Presidential Election Petition Court.

Frank warned judges of the Court to stand for honour as they prepare to give their final verdict on the petition challenging the election of President Buhari, which would be announced on September 13th.

The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who issued a statement on Monday in Abuja, called on the Justices not to base their ruling on sentiments, frivolities or technicalities, as the issue at stake would tremendously affect the peace, security and well-being of the country.

According to Frank, the Justices that heard the petition of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar against election of Buhari of the APC cannot afford to fail Nigerians by ruling based on fear, intimidation and the overbearing influence of the executive.

He said; “They must strive to fearlessly and courageously contribute to the sustenance of the nation’s democracy, rule of law, good governance and the long term peace and prosperity of the country.

“As the Presidential Election Petition Court’s Justices are putting finishing touches to their judgment, I want them to know that Nigerians and the whole world are eagerly watching.

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“The entire world knows the truth and what transpired during the last presidential election in Nigeria. From this judgment, Nigerians and the international community will know if indeed our judiciary is independent or a lackey and puppet of the executive.

“These Justices should know that their judgment can make or mar Nigeria. Therefore let them focus on the substance of the issues already canvassed and the incontrovertible evidence tendered before them as they write their judgements.

“I know this is not going to be easy but the Justices must step up and stand by the truth and give the right judgment as Nigerians are already aware that the panel is planning to use technicalities like in the Osun election case to rule in favour of the APC and Buhari.

“Little wonder that the APC is already boasting that the judgment will be 4-1 in their favour. How did the APC know a judgment that is yet to be given? Is it because they have bought over the Justices of the Appeal Court now about to deliver their ruling?

“These Justices must realize that Nigerians and the international community are watching to see what kind of technicality they intend to use and also to see if they will put the national interest above the parochial interest of the APC and General Buhari.

“Nigerians are waiting to also see if they will succumb to the manifest and undue pressure being mounted against them by the agents of the executive irrespective of their sacred oath they have sworn to,” he added.

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