Reports of a purported plot to bribe Supreme Court justices in order to sway the ruling on a petition challenging Bola Tinubu's victory in the February 25th presidential election have sparked widespread concern. The allegations gained momentum following the news that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has borrowed a significant sum of N135 billion.
The Peoples Gazette published an article earlier today, suggesting that the governor's loan might serve as confirmation of a potential arrangement to offer N100 billion to influence the justices.
BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu borrows N135 billion to upgrade 33 schools, other infrastructure.
— Will E. (@PEC_Concepts) May 24, 2023
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These claims were initially made public by renowned Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin, who previously exposed Tinubu's involvement in drug-related activities and indictment in the United States back in 1993. Hundeyin took to Twitter to reveal Tinubu's alleged plan to employ the services of Governor Sanwo-Olu, whom he referred to as Tinubu's puppet, in raising the substantial amount for approaching the Supreme Court justices.
Hundeyin's tweet read: "Information reaching me now from an insider is that @officialABAT is trying to lean on @MBuhari to declare a public holiday on Friday, May 26th, coinciding with the date of the Supreme Court's judgment, which could potentially disqualify him. He has also tasked Lagos State governor @jidesanwoolu and his money launderer-in-chief Gilbert Chagoury to raise a total of N100bn with which to approach the Supreme Court justices."
According to The Peoples Gazette, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has recently signed N134.815 billion worth of bonds, with the aim of funding crucial infrastructure projects in Lagos. During the signing ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted one of the projects as the overhaul of 33 public schools in the Tolu Complex area of Ajegunle (Olodi Apapa).
Nevertheless, many Nigerians view these developments as more than mere coincidence and believe that there may be a connection between them. Earlier reports from The Gazette had alleged a secret meeting between Tinubu and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, which occurred outside the country. This meeting drew widespread criticism and condemnation, particularly considering the ongoing court case filed by Peter Obi, the candidate from the Labour Party, who is challenging Tinubu's electoral victory. It was argued that the sensitivity of the situation necessitates that the Nigerian judiciary remains impartial in fulfilling its duty of administering justice.
Given the gravity of the bribery allegations surrounding Bola Tinubu, all eyes are now on the judiciary to ensure the integrity of the proceedings. Failure to address these concerns may push Nigerians to take matters into their own hands if they perceive the Nigerian system to continually disregard the will of the people.