A coalition of civil society groups, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room welcomed the statement credited to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, ICC Fatou Bensouda, over the court’s preparedness and willingness to observe the electoral process in the country while also raising alarm over plots to scuttle the February 14 presidential elections through the courts.
The groups, in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, said: “We are particularly encouraged by the Prosecutor Bensouda’s comment that ‘No one should doubt my resolve, whenever necessary, to prosecute individuals responsible for the commission of ICC crimes’.
“The ICC, by this comment, is being proactive and progressive in supporting a climate of peace in Nigeria ahead of the elections.
“Coming on the heels of irresponsible and provocative utterances by various political actors in Nigeria, the ICC is putting Nigerians on notice that conducts, which trigger commission of mass crimes, will not go unpunished.
“This comment also affirms the ICC’s commitment to holding to account and prosecute all persons involved in subverting the conduct of free and fair elections in Nigeria.
“We believe it includes officers who take on cases and issue judgments on the elections that subvert the constitutionally guaranteed powers and independence of INEC.
“The Situation Room raises concern about the multiplicity of court cases on multiple issues apparently instigated and contrived by persons intent on disrupting the holding of elections already scheduled by INEC for February 14th and 28th, 2015.
“While Situation Room welcomes the right of all persons to seek judicial intervention to protect their rights, it places on record that any attempt to use the courts to disrupt the elections might lead to unimaginable negative consequences could result in violence across the country.
“The Situation Room sees this call by the ICC as a lesson for the Nigeria judiciary. There are many allegations of effort by political interests to undermine the legitimacy of the judiciary or to exploit the judiciary for selfish ends.
“We call on the judiciary to defend its integrity at this time and ensure that any ruling or orders coming from it is rooted in impeccable constitutional grounds and must be for the greater good.”
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