The confusion emanating from the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on Kano State’s governorship election dispute could stir up a crisis if not well addressed.

Development Diaries reports that although the ruling on Friday suggested that the appellate court maintained the tribunal’s declaration that Governor Abba Yusuf was not lawfully elected, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa-Dederi, said the court actually ruled in the governor’s favour.

He said the judgment orally delivered by a justice of the appellate court differed from what is contained in the CTC of the judgment given to them by the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, Daily Trust quoted a lawyer in a report as saying that the confusion might just be a typographical error.

This is, however, unacceptable because if this is indeed an error, it could lead to a crisis in the state.

Additionally, such an ‘error’ opens the door to accusations of judicial bias or political influence, further eroding public confidence in the judiciary.

Furthermore, the credibility of the legal system can be eroded if there is confusion and uncertainty about the interpretation and application of laws.

Citizens depend on the judiciary to provide fair and impartial decisions that uphold the principles of justice, and when conflicting rulings emerge, it undermines the public’s trust in the legal process.

To preserve the integrity of democracy, it is crucial for the judiciary to strive for consistency and coherence in its decisions, ensuring that the rule of law remains a cornerstone of a just and equitable society.

Development Diaries calls on the Appeal Court to publicly clarify if there was an error in the released CTC of the judgment and give the right information on the court’s position to douse tension.

Photo source: Abba Yusuf