By Adejumo Adekunle –
Abuja –
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned “politically driven” court rulings in Nigeria, warning that such judgments undermine the country’s democratic foundation.
Speaking at the 67th birthday and book launch of renowned lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) in Abuja on Thursday, Jonathan expressed concerns about how controversial court decisions threaten Nigeria’s political stability. He pointed to a recent ruling that allowed a ward chairman to expel a national party officer, calling it harmful to the political order.
Jonathan called on the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling, stressing that it has caused significant instability in major political parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“With these political rulings, democracy in Nigeria has become as unstable as an upside-down cone—any small disturbance could cause it to fall,” Jonathan warned.
He urged legal professionals to resist political pressure, emphasizing that for democracy to thrive, the legal system must remain independent. “Only by standing firm against political influence can we ensure a stable political process,” Jonathan added.
Jonathan also criticized the idea of a lower-ranking official, such as a ward chairman, having the power to dismiss a national leader, using an analogy: “It’s like a Head of Department expelling a Vice Chancellor. This ruling has ignited crises within political parties. The PDP is already in turmoil, and even the APC was affected.”
He pressed the Supreme Court to revisit the decision, cautioning that leaving it unchallenged could further destabilize Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo echoed Jonathan’s concerns, commending Ozekhome for his unwavering commitment to justice and social reform, describing him as a man of “conviction, courage, and integrity.”
Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who reviewed Ozekhome’s 50 published books, praised the lawyer’s intellectual prowess and patriotism. The books, covering law, politics, and philosophy, were recognized as a valuable contribution to Nigeria’s legal scholarship.
The event drew prominent figures like former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and respected legal minds such as Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), all of whom hailed Ozekhome’s impact on Nigeria’s legal landscape.
