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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Yoruba Northern Elders Forum (YNEF) has said that traditional leaders from the South West have vital roles to play as the Supreme Court has reserved judgment for the Kano State governorship election between the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Nasir Gawuna, and Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The Yoruba elders led by APC Stalwart and Convener of the Forum, Seyi Olorunsola in a Communique after their meeting in Kaduna on Saturday specifically called on the Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Oba of Lagos, former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande to engage with our President Bola Tinubu not to be carried away by sentiments and allow the ruling party to lose to the opposition at the Supreme Court.
The Communique which was signed by Elder Durojaiye Babalola reads, “The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on the unfolding situation in Kano State, where the Electoral Tribunal and the Appeal Court have confirmed the victory of Dr. Nasir Gawuna, the APC candidate, in the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial elections. The impending Supreme court judgment, following the appeal by the NNPP Candidate, Engr. Kabir Abba Yusuf, prompted the elders to issue resolutions.
“The Yoruba Northern Elders Forum acknowledge the influential role of traditional leaders in our society. In light of this, we urge foremost Yoruba Traditional Leaders such as the Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Oba of Lagos and other leaders of thought such as the respected former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande to engage with our son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Our appeal is for him not to interfere with the decision of the Supreme Court but to allow the wheel of justice to prevail in the case of the Kano State gubernatorial election.
“Recognising that the people of Kano State have expressed their will at the ballot box, the Yoruba Elders Forum emphasize the importance of upholding the democratic process.
“It is incumbent on all concerned parties to respect the overwhelming choice of the people as declared by the Tribunal and Appeal Courts. We affirm that the will of the people should prevail in the democratic space.
“The Yoruba people in Kano State and the North at large are known for their peace-loving nature. Despite the internal political dynamics in Kano State, we affirm our commitment to not being drawn into the local politics.
“We insist that the decisions of the courts must be respected, fostering a peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities in the region.
“However, we note with concern how the Presidential Candidate of the NNPP in the last General Elections, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso allegedly worked against our son (President Tinubu)’s emergence as the President after the Western Nigeria worked assiduously for the Presidency of the North in the 2015 elections; he (Kwankwaso) was all out to outdo the seeming gentleman’s agreement for power to return to the South West when he campaigned vigorously against Tinubu’s emergence.
“We caution President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against succumbing to sentiments and emotions that may compromise the will of the people of Kano State. It is imperative that he does not play into the hands of propaganda orchestrated by the NNPP, especially since the Tribunal overturned its perceived victory, a decision validated by the Appeal Court.
“It should be noted for all Nigerians to understand that Governors have been removed by the courts before and the Kano situation cannot be the first and it would certainly not be the last.
“The Forum use the medium to appreciate Vice President Kashim Shetimma and the APC Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for the overwhelming support they gave our son, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu before, during and after the General Elections.
“It is this type of show of support and solidarity across the Niger which continues to cement the unity of the country in its quest for greatness.
“This communique underscores the power of democracy and the will of the people. It advocates for the rule of law to be upheld not only in Kano State but across the entire nation.
“The Yoruba Northern Elders commend the judiciary for their bold steps in remaining steadfast to the letter and spirit of the law in the gubernatorial election judgment. The meeting concludes with an earnest plea to the Supreme Court to maintain the same principled stance in its forthcoming judgment.
“This communique is a testament to our unwavering commitment to democratic values, justice, and the peaceful coexistence of our diverse communities.”
