Human Rights Lawyer Raises Alarm, Accuses Wike of Holding Grip of Nigerian Judiciary

Human Rights Lawyer Raises Alarm, Accuses Wike of Holding Grip of Nigerian Judiciary

 

Prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called on Nigerian lawyers and judges to safeguard the judiciary from what he describes as undue influence exerted by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

 

 

Effiong’s statement follows a recent move by Wike to initiate the design and construction of 40 residences for judges in the Katampe District of Abuja, a decision that has stirred debate about the executive’s role in judicial affairs.

 

The planned judges’ quarters, aimed at providing accommodation for judicial officers in Abuja, has sparked criticism and concerns among legal professionals and civil society groups.

 

Critics argue that such overt displays of executive support could threaten the independence of the judiciary, a cornerstone of democratic governance.

 

Senior human rights lawyer Femi Falana weighed in on the matter during an interview with Channels Television, asserting that the executive should refrain from providing personal amenities, such as houses and cars, to judges.

 

According to Falana, such gifts could create a perception of bias, compromising the judiciary’s autonomy and risking the public’s confidence in the impartiality of judicial decisions.

 

Echoing Falana’s sentiments, Effiong emphasized that maintaining judicial independence is vital for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the courts remain a check on executive power.

 

He urged legal professionals to recognize and address potential threats to judicial integrity, highlighting that undue influence, particularly from prominent political figures like Wike, could weaken the judiciary’s credibility and public trust.

 

Effiong’s appeal calls for increased vigilance within the legal community to protect the judiciary’s impartiality. As debate around this issue continues, it underscores broader concerns about maintaining the separation of powers in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.