…Of a reckless REC, compromised security personnel and sensible federal judge- the tragicomedy called Adamawa governorship election!

By Prof Nnamdi Obiaraeri

Only a fool will deliberately swallow a lead hook. It is poisonous and can lead to death.

Adamawa governorship election was an obvious ticking time bomb the moment it went into supplementary stages.

Any wise person could have known that but the REC thought otherwise. He declared results in the most unlawful manner known to law before the cameras.

It was ultra vires his powers to declare any result having not been appointed and designated a Returning Officer in the Governorship election.

To say the least, that REC was reckless. He acted without scrupples. Imagine declaring so called results when collation had not been completed and when it was not within his powers to make the return. In the foolish belief that the law is an ass, he forgot that only fools ride it.

It was an avoidable risk but the REC wilfully chose to disobey the laws of the land. He swallowed a lead hook on purpose. Only time will tell if he will not lose his commission and or prized liberty when he has his day in court soonest. You ought to know is the worst form of indictment. The REC ought to know the law. He is said to be a lawyer. The law fixes knowledge of the law on all lawyers.

This grand tragicomedy of an illegal declaration that threatened the peace and tranquility in Adamawa State was staged before or supervised by security officers.

Yes, video evidence showed that in that lawless and illegal outing, the REC was flanked by security men [uniformed and non-uniformed] whose primary responsibilities are to keep law and order. How can the security chiefs not know that collation of results was not done with? How did they not know that the REC was not the Returning Officer? How the security chiefs became stupified, deaf and dumb and refused to act in the face of that unprecedented act of electoral banditry and brigandage by the REC is what the higher authorities must unravel. Heads must roll. “Sleeping on duty” is not a light indictment in security circles.

On the contrary, the Federal Judge who was approached for judicial review of the charade of an unlawful declaration of result by the REC was sensible and deeply restrained.

A judge is as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. Judicial discretion is best exercised judiciously.

This particular judge was very circumspect of the bait thrown at him. He refused to make restraining orders in an exparte application that could have bespatterd the face of the judiciary with contempt and public opprobrium. The wise and prudent Judge asked the applicant to come back on notice and satisfy him that the Court has jurisdiction to entertain a post-election matter that should be the turf of the Election Tribunal. The Judge deserves heavy commendation. There are still very many courageous and upright Judges. Many citizens will agree.

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Meanwhile, the fumbling and wobbling INEC got the call in Adamawa governorship election right amidst the legion of electoral atrocities committed by its high and low ranking officials including ad hoc staff waiting for redress.

Latest development is that the beleaguered INEC has done the needful as required by law. With the governorship result lawfully declared, dissatisfied parties are now approach the appropriate forum to ventilate according to rule of law.

Rule of law is a common denominator and cherished principle in any democracy. Even villains seek the protection of the rule of law when they are caught in the act. Now that the bubble has burst, the impetuous REC and compromised security chiefs in this Adamawa governorship imbroglio would talk of due process, fair hearing and fair trial notwithstanding that they refused to act according to rule of law when they held sway.

So much tragedy, comedy and temptations in the Adamawa Governorship election. In the end, some fell for the booby traps while some jumped and passed.

Naija na cruise. Talk of one week, one trouble.

A new normal is possible!