Tribunal: CJN never had phone conversation with Tinubu, DSS – S/Court

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rubbished claims that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola had a telephone conversation with President Bola Tinubu and the Director General, Department of State Services (DSS) to pressurise the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on the likely judgement to deliver.

Director of Press and Information, Supreme Court, Akande Festus, in a statement said there was no iota of truth in the rumour as there was never a phone conversation with the president and the DSS.

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“In view of the rumour currently circulating in the social media space that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola had a telephone conversation with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) with a view to pressurising the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal 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,” the statement said.

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The Supreme Court said Nigerians had been following the proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal 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,” it added.

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According to the apex court, if this current trend of falsehood and mudslinging is sustained, the nation might not make the desired progress.

The statement pleaded with everyone to cooperate with the judiciary to serve the country to its full capacity, as no one would ever be favoured against the other in any dispute.

The apex court said the rule of law and supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution would always be upheld and applied in every matter that came before the courts; as the facts presented and the subsisting laws must be applied in determining the merit or otherwise of each matter.

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

NAN