The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over the rising issuance of frivolous court orders and ex-parte injunctions by judges, especially in politically sensitive cases.
The association cited the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, urging the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction judicial officers involved in these practices.
Recent weeks have seen judges from Federal High Courts in Abuja issue restraining orders that destabilised the duly elected administration in the state, according to HURIWA.
HURIWA’s national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that the judiciary risks becoming a tool for political manipulation, with corrupt judges undermining democratic order. “The judiciary must not be reduced to a pawn in political games,” he emphasized.
“There is a disturbing trend of judges, especially in the Federal Capital Territory, issuing reckless court orders aimed at destabilizing legitimate governments.”
HURIWA called on the NJC to take decisive action against growing corruption in the judiciary. The association insisted that judicial officers or lawyers involved in dubious court orders must face serious consequences.
“The NJC must rise to its responsibilities and ensure that corrupt judges are held accountable. This issue goes beyond Rivers State—it’s about our democracy’s survival. Judges issuing orders for bribes not only break the law but also undermine the will of the people,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA also urged the NJC to establish mechanisms for monitoring the issuance of ex-parte and restraining orders in politically charged cases to safeguard the judiciary’s integrity.
The group highlighted the undue influence of the executive on the judiciary, citing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who announced plans to build 40 houses for justices of various courts with approval from President Bola Tinubu. HURIWA condemned this as a blatant example of the executive’s political capture of the judiciary. “This is a dangerous precedent. When judges are given lands and houses by the executive, their independence is compromised,” HURIWA warned.
In response, HURIWA called on the National Assembly to pass legislation prohibiting judges from receiving such perks. The group stressed that the judiciary’s independence must be fiercely protected to uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.
“The National Assembly must act to protect our democracy. Laws are needed to prevent judges from accepting gifts like land allocations from the executive. These gifts are political tools meant to manipulate the judiciary,” HURIWA said.
The rights group also cited other recent examples of judicial interference, including manipulation of party affairs and conflicting rulings by courts, arguing that these actions undermine democracy and weaken the rule of law.
“We have witnessed courts interfering in political parties’ internal affairs, issuing conflicting rulings that disrupt the political system. This cannot continue. The judiciary should be the last hope of the common man, not a tool for politicians to disrupt governance and elections,” the statement concluded.
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