The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has debunked media reports that he made political statements in support of the rebelling five Governors of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, otherwise known as the G-5 Governors.
It was reported that the CJN had at a recent event that was organised by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, said he was happy that his home state Governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, was a member of the G-5 Governors, now christened the “Integrity Group”.
Justice Ariwoola allegedly endorsed governor Makinde’s membership of the PDP group, at a State Banquet organised as part of events that followed the commissioning of two Judiciary projects that were done by the Rivers state government.
The PDP had since issued a statement, cautioning the CJN, being the number one judicial officer in the country, to stay clear from partisan politics.
It will be recalled that the G-5 governors, led by the Rivers State governor, Wike, had listed some conditions they said must be met, before they will throw their weight behind the candidate of their party, PDP, in the 2023 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
They had among other things, demanded the resignation of the National Chairman of the Party, Iyorchia Ayu.
Meanwhile, in its first official reaction to the reports, the Supreme Court, described the statements credited to the CJN as the handiwork of “purveyors of misinformation”.