The Northern Ethnic Youth Groups Assembly, NEYGA, has asked the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to immediately secure court premises across the country, describing the conduct of activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, as a direct threat to national security and public safety.
The call follows a viral video showing Sowore and his supporters confronting a legal practitioner inside the court premises and demanding that he retract his statements. Reports indicate the confrontation erupted after the lawyer allegedly referred to Sowore as a “tout” while the activist attempted to address journalists within the courtroom.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mallam Ibrahim Dan-Musa, the coalition condemned the incident as “a national disgrace” and questioned its implications for younger generations.
“It is unacceptable that a politician would turn the temple of justice into a theatre for intimidation,” the statement read. “This behavior poses a clear and present danger not only to legal practitioners but to innocent citizens who visit the courts for legitimate businesses.”
NEYGA also urged the Nigeria Bar Association to swiftly take a stand on what it termed Sowore’s bullying of “one of their own in the temple of justice,” warning that the politician’s conduct could have triggered a total breakdown of law and order in the court.
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The group further cautioned Sowore to stop using judicial premises for political campaigns, saying such actions violate established legal and electoral boundaries.
“Aside clearly being in contempt of court, Sowore’s actions are a clear violation of the Electoral Act. Under Section 92 of the Electoral Act, public offices, police stations, and designated spaces cannot be used for political campaigns, rallies, or partisan activities. Courts of law are public and judicial institutions, making political campaigning inside them strictly prohibited,” NEYGA noted.
The northern coalition urged law enforcement agencies to act decisively, warning that unchecked aggression around courtrooms sets a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in Nigeria.
Crediblenewsng.com
