Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Oliver Okpala, has emphasized the need for sanctions against politicians disregarding court orders. His remarks come in response to a press conference held by a group claiming to be a faction of the Dawakin Tofa APC Executive Committee. This group announced the suspension of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for the second time, despite a Federal High Court Order in Kano instructing otherwise.
Okpala condemned the actions of those aligning themselves with the faction, labeling it as a blatant disregard for the authority of the Nigerian judicial system. He likened their behavior to that of an ostrich, burying its head in the sand while the rest of its body remains exposed. He stressed the seriousness of their actions, noting that they risked facing jail time for violating a court order.
Highlighting the importance of upholding court orders, Okpala explained that when a court binds a group of individuals to maintain the status quo, it anticipates potential attempts by mischief-makers to circumvent its rulings. He pointed out that before the court order, there was no evidence of a faction within the ward executives, indicating that they were all bound by the court’s decision.
He dismissed any attempts by the faction to evade consequences, stating that no amount of trickery would exempt them from potential imprisonment for defying the court order. Okpala emphasized that the situation differed from a children’s birthday party, where any idea could be implemented without consequence.
Questioning the faction’s legitimacy, Okpala challenged their authority to sanction Dr. Ganduje, asserting that they lacked the standing to make such decisions. He called attention to the erosion of respect for the rule of law and urged the judiciary to address such instances swiftly to deter others from similar misconduct.
In conclusion, Okpala underscored the need for accountability and respect for the legal process, urging the judiciary to take decisive action against those who undermine its authority.
