Justice Adrian Fisher has issued a strong warning to members and supporters of the All Peoples Congress (APC) against intimidation, violence, destruction of electoral materials and other activities capable of disrupting the party’s internal elections, declaring that anyone found responsible for unlawful conduct could face serious legal consequences.
The warning comes amid preparations for rerun elections within the opposition party, with Justice Fisher emphasizing the need for discipline, respect for electoral procedures and strict adherence to the law.
In his remarks, the judge specifically called on senior APC figures, including Osman Foday Yansaneh and Sidi Yaya Tunis, to impress upon party members and supporters the importance of maintaining peace and respecting the electoral process.
Justice Fisher made it clear that the courts would not tolerate attempts to undermine the elections through intimidation, threats, violence or deliberate interference with voting activities.
“I AM NOT JOKING AND I AM SERIOUS!” he declared, stressing his determination to ensure that the electoral process proceeds without unlawful interference.
He warned that individuals brought before the court in connection with electoral disturbances could face legal consequences, including detention where permitted by law and ordered by the court.
According to the judge, those found culpable of disrupting electoral activities could potentially remain in custody until after the APC National Delegates Conference, depending on the circumstances of their cases and the applicable legal provisions.
Justice Fisher expressed particular concern over allegations of intimidation, threats against political opponents, destruction of ballot boxes and disturbances at polling centres.
He reportedly condemned such actions as unacceptable in a democratic electoral process, maintaining that political competition must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with established rules.
To reinforce the seriousness of his warning, Justice Fisher reportedly addressed part of his remarks in Krio, ensuring that his message was clearly understood by party members and supporters.
Beyond warning against violence, the judge also addressed the legal procedures that would govern petitions arising from the forthcoming rerun elections.
He stressed that individuals wishing to challenge election results must follow the appropriate judicial process, including submitting sworn affidavits before the court.
“When the rerun elections are held, anyone wishing to file a petition must swear an affidavit before the court. I, Adrian Fisher, will personally handle all petition matters. Woe betide anyone who dares to lie under oath in an affidavit,” Justice Fisher warned.
His remarks underscored the legal responsibility attached to sworn statements and the potential consequences of knowingly providing false information in judicial proceedings.
The judge’s warning also served as a reminder to aspirants and their supporters that electoral grievances should be pursued through established legal channels rather than confrontation, intimidation or destruction of electoral materials.
Justice Fisher maintained that democratic competition requires participants to recognize that elections produce both winners and losers, and that disagreements over outcomes must be addressed through lawful procedures.
He further emphasized that political ambition should never become an excuse for actions that threaten public order, undermine electoral credibility or interfere with the rights of other participants.
The warning places particular responsibility on APC leaders and influential party figures to discourage misconduct among their supporters and promote respect for the party’s electoral arrangements.
Justice Fisher reportedly indicated that he would not be intimidated by individuals determined to create disturbances, reiterating that appropriate legal measures would be taken against those found responsible for offences brought before the court.
His intervention comes at a significant stage in the APC’s internal electoral process, as the party works towards completing its outstanding electoral activities and preparing for its National Delegates Conference.
The conduct of the rerun elections is expected to attract considerable attention, particularly regarding compliance with electoral procedures, the handling of complaints and the ability of party stakeholders to maintain peace.
Justice Fisher’s message was ultimately directed at all participants in the process, regardless of their preferred candidates or positions within the party.
He insisted that electoral contests must be conducted fairly, peacefully and within the confines of the law, while any disputes arising from the results should be resolved through the courts.
With his emphatic declaration that he is not joking, Justice Fisher has sent a clear warning that intimidation, electoral violence and knowingly false statements under oath could attract serious legal consequences as the APC prepares for its rerun elections.
