Kehinde Fajobi
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised recent court judgments he described as “politically motivated,” warning that such rulings threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at the 67th birthday celebration of prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) in Abuja on Thursday, Jonathan expressed concern over how these decisions undermine the stability of the political system.
Jonathan referenced a judgment allowing a ward chairman to expel a national officer of a political party, calling it a destabilising move that has affected both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“If a cone is inverted, it cannot stand stably; even the slightest disturbance will cause it to fall,” he said, comparing the current state of Nigeria’s democracy to an unstable structure.
He urged the Supreme Court to reconsider the ruling, noting its impact on party stability.
“You cannot tell me that a Head of Department in a university can expel the Vice Chancellor. This court ruling has created crises within political parties,” Jonathan remarked.
Jonathan further called on legal professionals to resist political influence.
“For democracy to endure, those in the legal profession must not be swayed by political influence. This is the only way to stabilise the political process,” he said.
The event, which honoured Ozekhome for his contributions to political and social change, also saw former President Olusegun Obasanjo praising him for his “conviction, courage, and integrity” in championing justice.
Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who reviewed Ozekhome’s 50 books, commended his intellectual brilliance and dedication to reform.
Notable figures at the event included former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), all lauding Ozekhome’s role in advancing Nigeria’s legal landscape.