We, the members of this concerned organization ‘ Kogi Youth Frontiers for Good Governance’ are using this medium to appeal to the office of the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the good people of Kogi State both at home and Diaspora to kindly wade into some security concerns plaguing the 2023 Kogi State Governorship Election Tribunal as it is currently sitting in Abuja.
In the first place, the Tribunal was billed to conduct its activities in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital but due to some massive state of insecurity in the ancient city, it was well-considered to get it moved to Abuja, the nation’s seat of power.
For those who have been following this ugly development or trend in the state since after the ill- fated and bastardized Kogi State Governorship election held on the 11th November, 2023, political watchers will agree to the fact that a particular political party in the state that has been laying claim to victory during the election is currently going about to intimidate and ready to unleash mayhem on their challengers and also set to destroy evidences or proofs that could make them lose its supposed victory they claimed they have in their kits. Authoritatively, they have recruited idle young and evil-minded youths popularly called thugs to attack some law-abiding individuals, institutions, structures and property in order to hide their weaknesses at the Tribunal.
With this ugly and ignoble development and for the safety of Tribunal officials, lawyers and INEC staffers and the witnesses, the Tribunal listened to the appeal of Kogites and considered it proper to move its sittings to Abuja and which to us in this group and to the generality of Kogites welcomed it and considered the decision as very timely, right, ideal and cogent.
Really, it was a huge relief and a thing of joy for every reasonable person when the announcement was finally made to relocate the sitting to Abuja.
But surprisingly, on 26th February, 2024, at its sitting in Abuja, the unusual happened, as attempts were made to over populate the Tribunal with uninvited guests sponsored by some undemocratic forces to thwart the sitting and to create confusion and skirmishes in Abuja. All these would have led to impromptu conclusion of its sitting yesterday. Thank God, wisdom was applied by the judges led by Hon. Justice Yusuf Ado Birnin Kudu as well as the security agents in attendance. The evil intention of the thugs at the Tribunal was to scare away several principal witnesses through intimidation and violence.
Madam, we are appealing to your office to please provide adequate security to the Tribunal members, as well as the witnesses and journalists covering the Tribunal’s proceedings.
For further information Ma, and to our best knowledge, a local radio station called the Tao FM in the state has made several announcements warning the people from giving any evidence at the Tribunal against a particular political party and candidate from Kogi Central Senatorial district and that any such attempt will be met with reprisal or serious sanctions. This radio announcement is verifiable.
We plead with you to allow witnesses to give evidences via Skye zoom to avoid intimidation and physical or verbal attack which has been the cases in recent days. Madam, this is our major concern and appeal to you.
Ma, for your information, it has been alleged that three witnesses from a political party were kidnapped yesterday in Abuja and taken to unknown destination by these thugs. This is our fear for other witnesses that may be willing to give hard evidences at the Tribunal. Please kindly act immediately and may God bless you.
Signed:
Comrade Ibrahim Danjuma
President, Kogi Youth Frontiers for Good Governance
