Daily Independent (Lagos)
Festus Owete
31 October 2008
Abuja — President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi, said on Thursday that he has been toughened by criticisms trailing judgments of the appellate court on petitions arising from the 2007 general elections.
Abdullahi also frowned at the role money was playing in the country's politics, saying if not checked it would endanger democracy.
He spoke during the formal presentation of IFES-Nigeria Map Book, "Money and Politics in Nigeria" edited by Victor Adetula.
Abdullahi noted that the judiciary, especially the Court of Appeal has in the recent past become the target of the critics, but that the court is forging ahead despite the criticisms.
"I can tell you it is not an easy job. Sometimes, I not only develop a thick skin but I also tried to be thick to survive. I think so far so good. We have been pushing on despite all the criticisms.
"Judiciary in particular has been made a target but I can assure you that we will survive because we know what we are doing and we know what we are set to do.
"We have gone ahead to defy any blackmail or harassment. I can assure you that we are equal to the task. So, we are pushing on," he said.
The jurist regretted that politics in the country has been monetised, warning that if not tackled now, the nation's nascent democracy would be in danger.
According to him, the development is already influencing how Nigerians behave, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to focus attention in that direction with a view to curbing it.
"I think the time has come when we have to put our heads together and stop this nonsense because it is deepening in our society.
"If we don't check it, our democracy will remain defective. I don't think it is what we require in this country. It is beginning to make somebody do what he likes or what he thinks. It is begging to determine how people should behave," Abdullahi added.
He commended the author of the book, adding that it would help in shaping democracy in the country.
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