• Arewa Youths Applaud FCT High Court’s Decision

The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and Coalition Of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) are seeking an immediate release of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele from the custody.

They also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Department of State Services (DSS) to order and to obey court order on Emefeile’s bail.

In a statement jointly signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, James Ezema, and the National Secretary of the CNCSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, they said that: “Respect for court order is one of the basic ingredients of a democratic society. Nigeria needs investors to come. However, no investor will put his money in a country, where a clear order of a court of competent jurisdiction is violated at will.”

Besides, the groups had earlier called on President Tinubu to prove to Nigerians that he is truly a democrat by upholding the rule of law.

Insisting that Tinubu should call the DSS to order, the CNPP and the civil society groups said: “It has become not just a national show of shame, but an international embarrassment that the age long inter-agency rivalry in Nigeria would be brought to the full glare of the public, where DSS operatives would be manhandling a security personnel on official duty in a court premises.”

In a related development, the Northern group, the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), applauded the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court’s decision for dismissing the suit filed by the DSS seeking to further detain the embattled CBN governor.

The group said the ‘’verdict signifies a significant victory for democracy and the rule of law in the country, and further upholds the sanctity of the court.’’

A statement issued by the leader of AYA, Muhammed Salihu Danlami, said: “The Assembly commends the FCT High Court for its impartiality and commitment to justice.

“The court’s decision to strike out the DSS suit sends a clear message that no entity, regardless of its stature, can undermine the authority of the judiciary and desecrate the sanctity of the court.

“The Assembly firmly believes in the separation of powers and the importance of an independent judiciary in maintaining a democratic society.”

Danlami said: “Our organisation further condemns the DSS’s attempt to circumvent the court’s authority by rejecting its valid order and subsequently, seeking its validation. Such actions undermine the rule of law and the principles of fairness and due process.”

“The Arewa Youth Assembly calls for adherence to the rule of law and for all institutions to operate within the boundaries set by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Our group remains committed to promoting democracy, justice, and the protection of human rights.”

“Westand firmly behind the FCT High Court’s ruling and urge all stakeholders to respect and uphold the decisions of the judiciary. This victory for democracy serves as a reminder that no individual or institution is above the law”, the statement added.