On the occasion of the 2023 Democracy Day, President Bola Tinubu made it clear that illegal court orders aimed at truncating Nigeria’s democracy will no longer be condoned.
Tinubu stressed that democracy was well and alive in Nigeria, as demonstrated by the 2023 general elections.
He also highlighted the beauty of democracy, where winners today can lose tomorrow and vice versa.
The President expressed concern over the abuse of court orders by politicians to upturn electoral victories of their opponents and occupy offices— an act believed to have led to conflicting court orders on elections, leaving the public confused.
Tinubu further stated that the recent harmonization of the retirement age for judicial officers is meant to strengthen the rule of law.
He said:
“For Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of this day, in whose memory June 12 became a national holiday, democracy is eternal.
“It is about rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions. It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders issued to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.
“The recent harmonisation of the retirement age for judicial officers is meant to strengthen the rule of law, which is a critical pillar of democracy. The reform has just started.
“The democracy that will yield right dividends to the people who are the shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices. It means social and economic justice for our people.”
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