The Socio-{Economic} Rights and Accountability Undertaking (SERAP) has threatened to sue the federal authorities and governors over alleged “items of vehicles and homes to judges” by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, and Nigeria’s 36 governors.
In a press release on Sunday, SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to “cease the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, and Nigeria’s 36 governors from usurping the authority and obligations of the Nationwide Judicial Council (NJC) and heads of courts by the supply of vehicles and homes to judges.”
SERAP argued that such practices are antithetical to constitutional ideas of separation of powers, checks and balances, and the rule of regulation and should create the notion that the judiciary is subservient to the manager.
In an open letter dated November 9, 2024, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group accused politicians of failing to respect the judiciary’s integrity and independence by refraining from interference.
SERAP additionally known as on the federal authorities to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as a defender of the general public curiosity, to problem in courtroom the constitutionality and legality of the manager’s apply of offering vehicles and homes to judges in Abuja and throughout the states.”
SERAP vowed to provoke authorized motion in opposition to the federal authorities and governors over this improvement.
“SERAP urges you to direct Mr. Fagbemi to make sure full compliance by Mr. Wike and the 36 state governors with the provisions of Sections 81(3) and 121(3)(a)-(h) of the Nigerian Structure 1999 [as amended] and to respect and shield judicial integrity and independence.”
“SERAP additionally urges you to make sure that the Federal Govt Council (FEC), below your management, halts the apply of approving the development of homes for judges, as such obligations are inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Structure and the nation’s worldwide obligations.”
“We might be grateful if the beneficial measures are taken inside seven days of receiving and/or publishing this letter. If we don’t hear from you by then, SERAP will take into account taking acceptable authorized actions to compel your authorities and the attorneys normal of the 36 states to adjust to our request within the public curiosity,” the assertion partly reads.
SERAP pressured that the Nigerian Structure and worldwide requirements mandate the independence of all arms of presidency.
