The Kano State government has declared its intention to file a petition against Justice Benson Anya, one of the judges on the Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
This decision comes in response to Justice Anya’s recent comments concerning the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Last week, the tribunal delivered a unanimous verdict that removed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP from office, with the judgment being read by the panel’s chairman, Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay.
In his concurring judgment, Justice Anya made statements that criticized Governor Yusuf’s administration for allegedly supporting anarchy and allowing government agents to cast aspersions on the judiciary.
Furthermore, Justice Anya referred to NNPP members using various derogatory terms, including “red cap wearers,” “violent and terrorist cults,” “bandits,” and “bitter losers,” in connection with threats made against the tribunal judges.
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Responding to these remarks, the state Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, addressed reporters on Tuesday. He emphasized that Justice Anya’s comments not only insulted individuals who wear red caps but also “insulted late Malam Aminu Kano, who was the champion of wearing a red cap in Kano, and patriotic citizens of Kano State.”
Dantiye, speaking on behalf of the state government, asserted that the judge’s actions were unacceptable.
He stated, “We will make sure that he pays for what he has done. We will explore all options for the unnecessary abuse.” He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises to the people of Kano.
“While we know the judgement is dead on arrival, we will not slow down in promoting the dividends of democracy to the good people of Kano State. Nothing will scare or slow us down. We are determined to make up all the promises made to the good people of Kano.
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“As you are all aware, our legal representatives are on course to go for appeal as instructed by the Governor which we are confident of reclaiming our mandate,” he said.
Dantiye added that the state government was interested in knowing whether the judge was “right to use personal sentiments and quash our victory and also seek justice on this. The Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) and other appropriate channels are there. We will file a petition against him”.
“A judge cannot just sit down because of unfounded death threats to be impartial in our judgement. This clearly showed to us that you are not being fair and just in this election verdict,” he said.
