Tribunal: No phone conversation between Tinubu and I, says CJN

CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, says there was no conversation between him and President Bola Tinubu concerning the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

The CJN made this known in reaction to the allegations currently circulating on social media that he had a telephone conversation with Tinubu and the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS).

Ariwoola, in a statement issued by the Supreme Court Director of Press and Information, Dr Akande Festus, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, said: “The report hinted that the conversation was with a view to pressurize the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) on the likely judgment to give; it is imperative to state clearly that there is no iota of truth in the narrative, as there was no such telephone conversation between the CJN and anyone.

“Nigerians have been following the proceedings at the PEPC with admirable enthusiasm.

“So, it is advisable we all sustain the tempo and follow it up to the end, instead of relapsing into the realm of speculations and rumor peddling that will not do anyone any good.

“If this current trend of falsehood and mudslinging is sustained, our nation may not make the desired progress.”

Festus said the courts are statutorily established to serve the best interest of the masses, noting that the CJN is poised to do that to the best of his ability.

He added: “We wish to plead with everyone to cooperate with the judiciary to serve the country to its full capacity, as no one will ever be favoured against the other in any dispute.

“The rule of law and supremacy of the Nigerian constitution will always be upheld and applied in every matter that comes before the courts as the facts presented and the subsisting laws must be applied in determining the merit or otherwise of each matter.

“The public should be rest assured that justice will be done to all matters pending in the various courts across the country, irrespective of who is involved.”

The Star