Should the judiciary, on the basis of an alleged bias that is neither actual nor apparent but merely contrived, disqualify an upright man who has served admirably in the temple of justice for over forty years? Should a judge who has served meritoriously on the Bench for twenty-five years be subjected to caustic and malicious persecution on phantom allegations of unsubstantiated bias?
I am motivated to put pen to paper on this matter because of the appalling opinions and sentiments that have been expressed regarding the selection of the Supreme Court panel put together to hear the appeal emanating from the Court of Appeal’s decision on the Osun State election petition brought by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in that election, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
b. Such gradual erosion of confidence will have long term and far-reaching devastating effects on the cohesion of the nation, the effectiveness of our institutions and, indeed, the survival of our democracy;