The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the Chief Justice Of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola to avoid dabbling into its internal politics and stay neutral.
The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement knocked the CJN over his comment on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The New Diplomat reports that Ariwoola at a dinner held in his honour by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in Port Harcourt said he is elated that Makinde is a member of the G5 or the ‘Integrity Group’.
However, the PDP in its reaction, knocked Ariwoola for delving into the political arena, saying his comments are encouraging the division among the chieftains of the party.
The PDP said, “By delving into the internal affairs of the PDP at a public event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday, November 24, 2022 where he was reported to have made reference to the political activities of some PDP governors, which comment is viewed to be encouraging division in our Party, the PDP posits that the CJN’s action is unacceptable and inconsistent with his status as the head of the Judicial arm of government.
“Irrespective of the circumstance or situation, the CJN is expected to be circumspect at all times and avoid partisan actions and utterances that are likely to erode the institutional integrity of the Judiciary and bring it to disrepute especially as the nation prepares for the 2023 general elections.
“In a Federal Republic such as Nigeria, with a Constitutional Separation of Powers, the Judiciary is entrusted with the responsibility of interpretation of the laws and as such should be seen to be neutral at all times and endeavour to interpret and review the laws in the context of the case and controversy of the parties before it.”
