John Mayaki’s recent remarks regarding the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal have sparked widespread condemnation for undermining the judicial process.
The former Edo government official’s dismissive characterization of the petitioners’ evidence as “worthless and watery,” coupled with his prediction that they will “labour in vain,” has drawn criticism.
Critics argue that Mayaki’s commentary is a dangerous disregard for judicial integrity and the principle of fair hearing.
According to them, by making premature and prejudicial statements, amplified through social media and public platforms, Mayaki risks eroding confidence in the impartiality of the tribunal and the Honourable Justices presiding over the case.
Observers have called on Justice Wilfred Kpochi, Chairman of the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal, to issue a stern warning to Mayaki and the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.
Agbonavbare Emmanuel Doni, an indigene of Edo State, stated in an article: “It is vital that the Chairman of the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, takes decisive action. Justice Kpochi should issue a stern warning to Mayaki and, by extension, the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose interests his inflammatory remarks seem designed to serve.
“Mayaki must be reminded that his role is not to pre-empt the tribunal’s judgment but to respect its process and allow the evidence to speak for itself.
“The courtroom is a sacred space where justice is pursued with integrity, free from the external noise of uninformed opinions and partisan biases.
“Mayaki’s audacious commentaries are more than just an individual misstep—they are a disservice to democracy and a direct attack on the credibility of the judiciary.
“If left unchecked, his words could embolden others to treat the judicial process with similar contempt, thereby weakening public trust in one of the nation’s most vital institutions.
“The call to action is clear: all stakeholders must unite in rejecting this egregious behaviour. Respect for the courts and adherence to due process are non-negotiable pillars of our democracy.
“By holding Mayaki accountable and demanding decorum in public discourse, we uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of our judicial system.”