I read with dismay the speech made by the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello over the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on the 2ND JUNE 2020 in the case between His Royal Majesty the ATTAH IGALA VS THE Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Kogi State.
As a lawyer and a social critique, I am compelled to make this response in reaction to the amazing speech credited to the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello over a clear and unambiguous judgment given by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on Tuesday the 2nd of June 2020.
The governor chose to give the Judgment of the Court of Competent Jurisdiction the colouration of imperialism. This is unfortunate. Imperialism has no bearing whatsoever with the Judgment of the Court.
The Court is meant to interpret the law and enforce citizens’ rights, based on incontrovertible evidence placed before it, which the Federal High Court, Sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State has done in this case. Let justice be done, though heavens fall, is a legal maxim, which dictates that, justice must be realized regardless of consequences. This, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has complied with in this judgment.
Incidentally, the Kogi State Government was a party in this case, having applied on its own volition to be joined as a party. It apparently participated in all the processes and proceedings leading to this judgment.
The Kogi State Government and the Governor had the opportunity to present their case, which they did and lost.
It is unfortunate that the governor, rather than comply with the clear and unambiguous judgment of a court of competent Jurisdiction and seek ways for its enforcement/implementation or exercise his right of appeal, has resorted to name calling, blackmail and weeping up public sentiment with the sole aim of pitching the ever peace-loving citizens of our dear great state against themselves forgetting that we are all brothers and sisters in the first place.
We the Igalas are saying to all our brothers and sisters, as well as the well meaning Nigerians and kogites that, as democrats and law abiding citizens, we believe in the rule of law and are committed to it and not tow the path that the Governor of Kogi State has chosen.
Since the Court has spoken in favour of the Attah of Igala, we should all take necessary steps to enforce and implement the judgment given accordingly. The only option available to the aggrieved is to appeal the judgment.
God bless Kogi State. God bless Nigeria and her Judiciary.
Dr. D. D. Makolo Esq.
Human Rights Activist and a Social Commentator.
A Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.