On a recent social media storm, rumors began circulating about the alleged resignation of Justice Boloukuoromo Ugo from the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC). According to the reports, the judge cited pressure from the executive to rule in favour of a specific political candidate, believed to be President Bola Tinubu, as the reason behind his decision. The National Judicial Council (NJC), as the authoritative body overseeing the judiciary in Nigeria, has stepped forward to address these claims and debunk the rumors. This report aims to provide an overview of the situation and clarify the NJC’s position.
The Allegations:
The rumours regarding Justice Boloukuoromo Ugo’s resignation originated from a tweet by a user named Umar Sani. In the tweet, Sani claimed that the judge’s resignation letter mentioned being asked to compromise the judiciary’s independence by ruling in favour of a particular political candidate, allegedly President Bola Tinubu. The tweet sparked significant online discussions and garnered attention from various media outlets.
NJC’s Response:
In response to the circulating rumors, the NJC spokesman, Soji Oye, addressed the issue directly in a conversation with TheCable. Oye categorically refuted the claims, labeling them as false and urging discerning Nigerians to ignore them. He clarified that the rumors were likely spread with the intention of distracting the public and shaping a particular narrative in case the court’s judgment does not align with the desires of the rumour peddlers.
Secretary of the Presidential Tribunal’s Statement:
Josephine Ekperobe, the Secretary of the presidential tribunal, also weighed in on the matter. She stated that she had spent time with Justice Boloukuoromo Ugo on the day the rumors emerged and as of the day following the reports, had not been informed of any resignation. Ekperobe dismissed the claims as baseless and lacking factual evidence.
The NJC has announced its intention to issue a formal statement to address the situation comprehensively. This official communication is expected to provide clarity on the matter and put an end to the speculations surrounding Justice Boloukuoromo Ugo’s alleged resignation.
As of now, the National Judicial Council has discredited the rumors about Justice Boloukuoromo Ugo’s resignation from the Presidential Election Petition Court. The NJC spokesman, Soji Oye, has emphasized the need for discernment in dealing with such baseless claims and warned against being swayed by false narratives. The council has reassured the public that an official statement will be released to address the issue adequately. Until then, it is essential to approach the matter with caution and await the NJC’s official response.
