2023 Elections: Reactions as Retired Justice Odili advises Atiku, Obi, others not to incite followers against judiciary

Retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Mary Odili, has called on politicians not to blackmail the judiciary.

She also warned politicians who lost in the 2023 elections against inciting Nigerians against justices.

The wife of the former Governor of Rivers State said this over the weekend at a colloquium in Abuja to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Joe-Kyari Gadzama as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Speaking at the event, Justice Odili acknowledged the tension generated by the 2023 elections, with some individuals and groups seemingly aiming to stoke chaos and hatred.

While recognizing that feelings of loss are natural, she stressed that actions threatening national stability cannot be justified, as the resulting turmoil would spare no one.

Justice Odili instead advocated resolving disputes through electoral tribunals and the courts, stating that elections are seasonal, and courts will return to regular duties once disputes are resolved.

The respected Justice said the need for legal professionals to promote stability amidst political tensions and act responsibly during this contentious period.

Justice Odili’s comment however does not settle well with supporters of the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi.

Some of them alleged she was speaking in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose election victory is contested in the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPT).

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated verdict of the PEPT is expected to be delivered on Wednesday, September 6th.

The Court of Appeal Registrar Umar Bangari confirmed this to newsmen on Monday, saying the proceedings will be open to live broadcast by interested television stations.

The Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), as well as their presidential candidates, had petitioned the tribunal seeking to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.