The Nigerian Patriotic Forum (NPF) has expressed concern over an alleged plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to re-arrest former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele, despite a court order granting him bail.
President of the NPF, Samuel Lawson Ajibade, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Abuja, underscored the importance of respecting Nigeria’s judiciary.
Ajibade reiterated that the judiciary serves as the beacon of hope for every Nigerian, regardless of their social status or influence.
“It is imperative to note that the judiciary remains steadfast in asserting its authority as the last bastion of defense for the common man,” he said.
He said reports suggest that the EFCC is considering this action following presidential authorisation to disregard the court order.
Emefiele had spent 151 days in detention. This development, according to the NPF, raises serious concerns about the potential erosion of key democratic principles and the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
Ajibade added, “Our nation has made significant progress in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of its citizens. However, any actions that undermine the independence of the judiciary and disregard court orders pose a direct threat to our democracy.”
In the statement, the NPF appealed to the international community and business communities to focus on Emefiele’s situation.
They warned of the potential for anarchy if the ‘rule of man’ takes precedence over the ‘rule of law,’ negatively affecting the business environment.
“We wish to call on the international community and business communities to shift their attention to what is happening to Emefiele and help to prevent the slide of Nigeria to anarchy. No business can survive in an environment where the rule of man takes precedence over the rule of law,” Ajibade stated.
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