Kano State Commissioner for Lands, Adamu Aliyu, issued a stern warning to judges of the governorship election petition tribunal, making it clear that they must decide between the money they may have received as bribes and their own lives. Speaking during a solidarity protest organized by the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Aliyu stated, “Any judge that allows himself to be used and collect bribes and pass judgment that is not right, we want to tell him; he must choose between his life and the bribe money he collected.”
According to SaharaReporters, this warning has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape, raising concerns about the impartiality and safety of the judges overseeing the election petition. The allegations of bribery have already drawn attention, with Governor Abba Yusuf receiving NNPP supporters protesting against the alleged bribery of judges at the election petitions tribunal, where Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is challenging the election of Governor Yusuf.
While the tribunal has not yet announced a date for its judgment, Aliyu’s remarks have taken a more ominous turn, suggesting dire consequences in the event of an unfavorable judgment. He stated, “You have seen the conflict (banditry) in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina. I swear because of this governorship seat, everyone will die. The conflict that will start in Kano will be deadlier than the ones in those states and Borno.”
These threatening remarks have faced strong criticism from various quarters, with calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of the judges and the integrity of the electoral process. Notably, the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Baffa Bichi, and other top officials were present at the event where these threats were made.
The issuance of death threats against tribunal judges, coupled with allegations of bribery, has cast a shadow over the fairness and legality of the ongoing election dispute. The response of authorities to these disturbing developments and their impact on the tribunal’s proceedings remains to be seen.
