The Coalition of United Political Parties on Wednesday said that the recent comment attributed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, during the inauguration of a project by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, were harmless and not signs of partisanship.
The coalition called on Nigerians to ignore the clamour for CJN’s sack, saying they were being spearheaded by mischief makers.
The CJN had expressed happiness that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State aligned himself with the G5 governors led by Wike.
The comment sparked controversies, with opposition alleging that it smacked on partisanship.
But the CUPP in a statement by its spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere, said the attack and criticisms trailing the CJN over the comment were unnecessary as it does not portray him as partisan.
According to him, the opposition parties do not have any reason yet to doubt Ariwoola’s capacity as an eminent jurist.
He said the CJN was rebuilding the image of the Supreme Court after years of assault, adding that the current attack was from mischief makers trying to twist his comment on G5 governors.
While stating that the CUPP still have confidence in Ariwoola’s leadership of Supreme Court, he however said coalition was watching closely.
The CUPP said, “The opposition parties understand fully well that issues bordering on misconceptions and misrepresentations are not new in times like this when the country is preparing for general elections, and when the citizens seek a free and fair election and unbiased judiciary.
“But the recent statement by the CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, which has continued to attract mixed reactions is absolutely harmless. We however will continue to have close watch and won’t hesitate to speak up, if we think otherwise. We urge Nigerians to ignore the clamour for CJN’s sack, these are actions of mischief makers trying to twist his comment on G5 governors.”