Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has called on aggrieved parties in the February 25 general elections to accept the decisions of the court as final and respect its sanctity.
Speaking at the 15th edition of the PUNUKA Annual Lecture in honour of the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chike Idigbe, Gowon emphasized the importance of having a strong, independent, and impartial judiciary. He urged aggrieved politicians and the public to abide by the decisions of the court, as it plays a vital role in nation-building and keeping the country united.
Gowon acknowledged the challenges the country has faced since independence, stating that the judiciary has been instrumental in maintaining stability and order in society. He poured encomium on the late jurist and attested to his unwavering dedication to service and bravery in the dispensation of justice.
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The event was graced by other dignitaries, including Babatunde Fashola, the Minister for Works and Housing, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief Justice, Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, among others.
Anthony Idigbe, Senior Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, also acknowledged the relevance of Justice Idigbe’s jurisprudence today, emphasizing that the principles of substantive justice should guide the actions of judges today.
Idigbe called for holistic judicial reforms, adding that the same attention given to election petitions should be extended to commercial cases, as they are all critical to the nation’s survival.
