After suffering bouts of judicial defeats in the past months and weeks, today’s judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, comes as soothing, albeit temporary relief for Hon. Ladi Adebutu and his supporters.
While the Hon. Adebutu’s camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state appear to have waded through the legal hurdles and the bitter consequence of impunity, ab initio, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal and his supporters had long envisaged that it will indeed turn out a marathon race.
Therefore, buttressing the age long wisdom of the elders, one do not walk across a river and begin to complain about cloth being wet.
While it can be said that sometimes, judgment such as this is not unusual, it cannot ultimately erase the merit of Otunba Lawal’s efforts to tackle brazen impunity and fraudulent practices.
Ours, no doubt, have replica in the then Rivers State governor, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi’s case with the PDP. Even as a sitting governor at the time, Amaechi’s legal and political rights were trampled upon.
When all the party apparatchiks and structure were deployed and moved mightily against him, unjustly as it turned out to be, the mill of justice that seemed to grind slowly but steadily eventually gave credence to his legal pursuit and restored his hijacked mandate. He became the legal face of the party and the state in government.
Till today, his remains an enduring legal knockout to brazen impunity by the highest court of the land. I believe ours will not be an exception as events unfold. Sooner than expected, a Daniel will come to judgment.
This is another long walk to freedom and justice. Therefore, all lovers and supporters of Otunba Jimi Lawal must not be wearied for in JAL, we have a fellow who is not faint-hearted. Behind his cool mien is a steely resolve and faith to walk where giants fear to tread.
He believes in pursuit of peace based on truth and justice to a logical conclusion, if for nothing else, at least to discourage and check impunity and enrich our jurisprudence.
Therefore, while the waiting lasts, particularly for our loyal and authentic delegates and supporters, it is not only the waiting that counts, but our attitude, comportment, tolerance and perseverance while we jointly and justifiably confront brazen impunity.
No doubt, our efforts and action will ultimately be crowned with success. Yes, we shall breast the tape of victory. Today’s decision of the Court of Appeal is a temporary set back. We should have our eyes fixed on the victory cup; for, in no distant time, the legal process will be fully exhausted at the Supreme Court.
Our loyal Delegates and JAL supporters,
Trust on, trust on.
Tho’ long the conflict be;
Thou yet shall prove victorious,
Thy God shall fight for the!
Trust on! Trust on!
Tho’ dark the night and drear;
Trust on! Trust on!
The morning dawn is near,
Trust to the end.
Credit: Politicos
