In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria, Justice Boloukuoromo M. Ugo has reportedly resigned from the bench, citing demands from the executive branch that he believes would jeopardize the country’s democracy.
His decision to step down has raised serious questions about the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
According to a tweet by Umar Sani, former PDP presidential spokesman, Justice Ugo stated that siding with the government on a certain matter would result in “the death of Nigeria’s democracy,” and he could not, in good conscience, remain silent. While he did not name the political candidate involved, it is widely speculated to be Bola Tinubu.
The Justice’s statement revealed that he was allegedly asked to compromise the independence of the judiciary by ruling in favor of a specific political candidate.
Additionally, he claimed to have been pressured to suppress evidence and dismiss cases that could impact the election.
Justice Ugo’s resignation has caused significant uproar and cast a shadow over the activities of the Presidential Election Petition Court.
kentochmedia.com attempted to reach the Justice for verification but was unable to obtain a response at the time of reporting. “This is a developing story; more details and clarifications will be made known very soon.”