The United States chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized the recent demand for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation after his victory at the Supreme Court, labeling it as unjustified. The APC USA has also cautioned against any form of intimidation targeting tribunal and apex court justices, who have been the subject of concern among some Nigerians living abroad.
This condemnation comes in response to a protest initiated by 30 different Nigerian diaspora organizations, operating under the Coalition of New Nigeria Diaspora Movement. The coalition had called for the immediate resignation of President Tinubu, and the Secretary General, Jackson Ude, appealed to the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America to impose visa bans on all the justices and judges of the Appeal and Supreme Courts who upheld Tinubu’s election.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Prof. Tai Balofin, the Chairman of the APC USA, expressed his disapproval of the protest, deeming it an unlawful development. He also characterized the action as a contempt of court, which, in his view, raises serious concerns about the country’s reputation.
The APC USA emphasized the importance of respecting the principles of the rule of law and underscored that the rulings of the highest court in the land should not be challenged or disregarded. Doing so could potentially undermine the foundations of Nigeria’s democratic system.
The statement issued by the APC USA read, “Our investigation revealed that the organizers are driven by a misguided pursuit of attention and shallow publicity. These actions, rooted in defiance of established legal procedures, only serve to sow discord and hatred within a nation that has long exemplified peaceful coexistence.”
The organization called on the general public to avoid engaging with the protesters from the coalition, emphasizing that their actions are more of a spectacle than a legitimate expression of grievances. The APC USA encouraged all Nigerians to use lawful and peaceful means to address their concerns, contributing to the progress and prosperity of the nation.
The APC USA reiterated its commitment to upholding the values of democracy, unity, and respect for the rule of law, urging all Nigerians to participate in responsible and lawful methods of expressing their concerns to further the cause of the country