Retired Justice Mary Odili, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape, recently addressed issues surrounding the 2023 general elections and the role of the judiciary. Speaking at a colloquium held in honor of Joe Kyari Gadzama in Abuja, Mrs. Odili expressed concerns about the post-election atmosphere and the need for responsible conduct in the face of electoral disputes.

In her speech, Mrs. Odili acknowledged that the 2023 elections had generated significant controversy, particularly among those who felt aggrieved by the outcomes. She noted that some individuals and groups had resorted to making inflammatory remarks that could potentially destabilize the nation. She emphasized the dangers of fanning the embers of hatred, bigotry, and tribalism, highlighting the potential consequences of unchecked rhetoric.

Mrs. Odili, the wife of former Rivers State governor Peter Odili, also commended the legal expertise of Wole Olanipekun, the lawyer representing President Bola Tinubu at the elections petitions tribunal. She described Olanipekun as a master of electoral disputes, whose proficiency in tribunal litigation instilled confidence in achieving victory. Mrs. Odili also alluded to the possibility of a mindset shift among election losers, urging them to eventually accept their defeat gracefully.

However, she cautioned against using grievances and frustrations as justifications for actions that could harm the nation. Mrs. Odili stressed that while it was natural to feel aggrieved when not declared the winner in an election, resorting to actions that could “bring down the roof of our nation” would not be justified. She warned that such actions could have unintended and far-reaching consequences, potentially affecting anyone in their path.

Mrs. Odili also highlighted the legal acumen of Wole Olanipekun and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasizing their expertise in electoral disputes. She suggested that their collaboration was likely to result in victory at the tribunal.

While Mrs. Odili’s statements received attention, they also sparked controversy, with some citizens expressing concerns about the independence of the judiciary. Some argued that her comments raised questions about whether the judiciary had been influenced by political interests.

The fact that Mrs. Odili’s remarks resembled Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola’s praise of then Rivers governor Nyesom Wike in the past added to public concerns. Judicial officers are generally expected to maintain a distance from political matters and refrain from making political commentaries in public.

Mrs. Odili’s statements serve as a reminder of the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in ensuring the credibility of electoral processes and upholding the rule of law. They also underscore the need for responsible and measured discourse in the aftermath of contentious elections to prevent potential harm to the nation.

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