Wike, Makinde want to corner judges for Tinubu – Atiku’s aide raise alarm

Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of closely monitoring judges as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal reaches its conclusion.

Shaibu alleges that Wike and Makinde even attended a memorial service hosted by the President of the Appeal Court, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, in Plateau State, despite not being officially invited. He claims that the event, which should have been a solemn occasion, was disrupted by the presence of the two governors.

According to Shaibu, Wike has been using questionable means to establish close relationships with judges, providing them with gifts under the pretext of welfare. He suggests that Wike’s recent appearance at the event hosted by the Appeal Court President could be another attempt to influence the appellate court where the current tribunal judges are from.

Shaibu points out that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, has also been involved in controversial interactions with the two governors. He cites instances where the CJN expressed satisfaction that Governor Makinde was a member of the G5 group of governors, and his attendance at the commissioning of Governor Makinde’s lodge in Abuja.

The PDP aide raises concerns about the CJN’s integrity being constantly questioned due to these associations and suggests that there are rumors about the next attorney-general being a kinsman of the CJN, potentially raising suspicions of manipulation in the election petition tribuna