Politics
Obey Court Judgments Or Face Contempt Proceedings, SERAP Tells Buhari
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to “immediately take meaningful steps to implement several judgments obtained by SERAP against the Federal Government.”
According to SERAP some of the judgements expected to be obeyed include verdicts to raise money to fund the budget, reduce the growing level of borrowing, and address the escalating rule of law crisis in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, the organisation said, “unless the judgments are immediately implemented, SERAP will consider pursuing contempt proceedings against the Federal Government in national courts, and international sanctions against the administration for its persistent disobedience of court judgments.”
According to the organization, “among the several judgments the Buhari administration has failed to obey is the judgment by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, which awarded N30m as compensation for the ill-treatment of journalist Agba Jalingo, who faced trumped-up and politically motivated charges of treason.”
The statement, read in part: “Another judgment the Buhari administration is failing to implement is the judgment by the ECOWAS Court which found the government responsible for abuses by oil companies and directed it to hold to account the companies and other perpetrators of oil pollution in the Niger Delta.”
“We urge President Buhari to without further delay publicly instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN) to ensure the effective implementation of all of the judgments obtained by SERAP and other outstanding judgments.”
Femi Falana (SAN) who presented SERAP Law Report to the public on Wednesday at the Media Briefing organized by SERAP in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, USA, said: “We are surprised that the Buhari administration took a swipe at SERAP for going to court to challenge acts of corruption and official impunity. In any country that professes to practice rule of law, it is height of ‘primitivity’ for government to challenge the act of going to court by the citizens.”
“This was firmly rooted in the case of Ojukwu v Gov of Lagos State which was decided during the military era. The victory over the military junta came through protests and other acts challenging official impunity in court and other lawful fora.
“It is quite ironical that those who have protested against misrule and impunity are the past are now in bed with those in government and clamps down on attempt protest by the citizens.”
The Media Briefing titled “Rule of Law Crisis: How failure of the Buhari government to enforce court judgements is contributing to grand corruption and impunity in Nigeria” was held at the Radisson Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Falana also said: “SERAP has embarked on public interest litigation in order to promote accountability and transparency in line with the tenets of the rule of law and constitutionalism. The publication of SERAP Law Report could not have come at a better time than now that anti-democratic forces are bent on imposing fascism on the country.
“It is sad to note that many of the judgments delivered in favour of SERAP have been ignored by the Federal Government contrary to Section 287 of the Constitution which has imposed a binding obligation on all authorities and persons in Nigeria to comply with the verdicts of all courts. I enjoin SERAP to take advantage of the provisions of the law to enforce the judgments without any further delay.”
SERAP also added, “The failure and/or refusal to enforce and implement legally binding judgments of court is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”
The statement, read further: “It is unacceptable to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function if the government routinely ignores and/or fails to abide by court orders.
“The persistent and deliberate disobedience of judges’ decisions would, ultimately, shatter citizens’ confidence and trust in the ability of the justice system to render justice for victims of corruption and human rights violations.
“Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the Constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law. In a constitutional democracy like ours, this is meant to be the norm.”
“The implementation of these judgments will be a special moment for the government’s anti-corruption agenda and the supremacy of the rule of law in Nigeria, as it would go a long way in protecting the integrity of our legal system.
“Implementing the judgments will provide the government the much-needed resources to fund national budgets, reduce the growing level of borrowing, and serve as effective deterrent to corrupt public officials and improve public confidence and trust in the administration’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption, respect human rights and observe the rule of law.”
It said: “Implementing the judgments will also would be in keeping with Nigerians’ expectations, and entirely consistent with President Buhari’s oft-expressed commitment to ‘kill’ corruption–whether by public officials or private contractors—and help to build citizens’ trust and confidence in the ability of this government to take head-on the systemic corruption in Nigeria.
“In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2015 President Muhammadu Buhari stated that ‘insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns’.
“Unfortunately, President Buhari’s government has made little to no progress in fulfilling the promises made to Nigerians to fight grand corruption, end impunity of perpetrators, respect the rule of law, and ensure access of socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians to basic public goods and services.
“The government’s promise to fight corruption and end impunity imposes a moral and legal responsibility to protect the rule of law, ensure sustainable development and full respect for Nigerians’ constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights, as well as to obey court judgments.
“The promises also impose a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels of government, and mean that government and public officials should timely and consistently respond to Freedom of Information requests from Nigerians.
“Lack of progress in the fight against grand corruption and the promise to obey the rule of law is further buttressed by the fact that many high-ranking officials suspected of corruption rarely end up in jail, as suspects continue to exploit the flaws in the justice system to the point where individuals are profiting from their crimes.
“The government’s disdain for the rule of law is also illustrated by the tendency to pick and choose which court orders it complies with. This selective application of the rule of law invariably undermines the independence and integrity of the judiciary, and is counter-productive to the government’s own fight against corruption.
“Other high-profile judgments obtained by SERAP that the Federal Government is refusing and/or failing to obey include the following: The first of such judgments is the judgment by Honourable Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari delivered on 5 July, 2017 ordering the Federal Government to tell Nigerians about the stolen asset it allegedly recovered, with details of the amounts recovered.”
“The second judgment, by Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris, on 26 February, 2016 ordered the Federal Government to publish details on the spending of stolen funds recovered by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999.
“The third judgment, by Hon. Justice Oguntoyinbo on 26 November, 2019 ordered the Federal Government to challenge the legality of states’ pension laws permitting former governors now serving as ministers and members of the National Assembly to collect such pensions, and to recover pensions already collected by them.”
The statement added: “The fourth judgment, by Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris on 28 May 2018, ordered the Federal Government to prosecute senior lawmakers suspected of padding and stealing N481 billion from the 2016 budget; and to widely publish the report of investigations into the alleged padding of the 2016 budget.
“The fifth judgment, by Hon. by Justice Obiozor, on 4 July 2019 ordered the Federal Government to publish the names of companies and contractors who collected public funds since 1999 but failed to execute any electricity projects.”
“The sixth judgment, by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, delivered on 19 November, 2009 ordered the Nigerian authorities to provide free and quality education to all Nigerian children without discrimination.”
…Seeks support for APC ticket ahead of 2027 governorship election
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday formally presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and his running mate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, to the Ijebu Traditional Council, seeking the support and blessings of the royal fathers ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The presentation, held at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode, marked another major political consultation by the governor following the emergence of Senator Adeola as the APC standard-bearer.
Addressing the traditional rulers, Governor Abiodun said his choice of Senator Adeola as his preferred successor was informed by the twin principles of equity and competence, stressing that the Ogun West Senatorial District deserves the opportunity to produce the state’s governor for the first time since Ogun was created 50 years ago.
He said his search was not for a third term by proxy, but for a capable leader who would consolidate on the achievements of his administration and sustain the state’s developmental momentum.
“I was not looking for a third term, but for somebody who would comfortably step into my shoes and continue to build on what we have achieved from day one,” the governor said.
“I was looking for that person from Ogun West because it is only fair and just. In the last 50 years since the creation of Ogun State, no son of Ogun West has had the opportunity to serve as governor. In Senator Solomon Adeola, I have found all the qualities I have been looking for.”
Governor Abiodun recalled the prayers and support he received from the traditional institution when he sought their blessings ahead of the 2019 election and appealed for the same goodwill to be extended to the APC governorship candidate.
“The same way you prayed for me in 2018 and have continued to support me over the past seven years, I ask that you extend the same prayers and support to him. I can confidently assure you that he will not disappoint the people of Ogun State,” he said.
The governor also canvassed support for the deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, describing her as an accomplished professional whose corporate experience would complement Senator Adeola’s leadership.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in Ijebuland, Governor Abiodun said the promises he made to the traditional rulers before assuming office had either been fulfilled or were at various stages of implementation.
He listed the reconstruction of the Ijebu-Ode-Epe Road, the Federal Government’s takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), and the ongoing transformation of Ogun Waterside through strategic infrastructure and economic projects as evidence of his administration’s commitment to the area.
The governor also noted that Ogun Waterside, which had suffered years of neglect under previous administrations, was now receiving the attention it deserved.
In his remarks, Senator Adeola pledged to consolidate on the achievements of the Abiodun administration and pursue major economic projects capable of unlocking the vast potential of Ogun Waterside.
He said his administration would work towards making Ogun an oil-producing state through commercial oil exploration, facilitate the establishment of a deep seaport, and revive the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project.
The APC governorship candidate also pledged to support the agitation for the creation of Ijebu State while ensuring that Ijebuland receives its fair share of development and government attention.
“I appreciate the support our traditional rulers have given Governor Abiodun over the past seven years, and I assure you that we will build on his achievements while advancing projects that will accelerate the development of Ogun State,” Adeola said.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Acting Chairman of the Ijebu Traditional Council and Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, assured Governor Abiodun that the royal fathers would support Senator Adeola’s governorship aspiration.
He also pledged the support of the traditional institution for Governor Abiodun’s Ogun East Senatorial bid, expressing confidence that continuity in leadership would guarantee the execution of more developmental projects across the senatorial district.
The event, attended by APC leaders and stakeholders from the three senatorial districts of the state, climaxed with special royal blessings offered by the traditional rulers for Governor Abiodun, Senator Adeola and Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun ahead of the 2027 elections
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party also called on eligible voters to support its preferred presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the next election.
This was contained in a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Osa Director, following the party’s PVC registration mobilisation exercise.
According to the statement, Osa Director described the PVC as the most important tool for citizens to determine the country’s future through the ballot box.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people and first-time voters, not to miss the opportunity to register and collect their voter cards.
“The PVC remains the most powerful instrument for every citizen to determine the future of Nigeria through the ballot box,” he said.
The NDC spokesman said the country needs citizens who are ready to participate actively in the democratic process, stressing that meaningful change begins with voting.
He added that the time had come for Nigerians to unite in building a New Nigeria, where hope is restored to the hopeless, justice prevails, opportunities are created for all, and good governance becomes the standard.
Osa Director also encouraged Nigerians who desire positive change to vote for the party’s preferred candidates in the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, “Peter Obi and Dr. Musa Kwankwaso are leaders with the vision, integrity and capacity to transform Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to promoting credible leadership, national unity, economic growth, security and good governance.
….We’re not afraid, Tinubu going in with 12m bloc votes – APC
National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that the party is not threatened by opposition propaganda ahead of the 2027 general election, saying President Bola Tinubu is going into the race with a bloc of over 12 million votes from party members. ExecutiveBranch
Yilwatda spoke on Friday while receiving the duly completed Independent National Electoral Commission INEC presidential nomination forms of President Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, at a ceremony in Abuja. ExecutiveBranch
INEC has set Saturday, July 11, 2026, as the deadline for political parties to upload the names of their candidates to its nomination portal.
The submission of both forms effectively ended months of speculation about the president’s choice of running mate, as he has now settled for Shettima.
It also paved the way for the upload of Tinubu and Shettima unto the INEC portal, an action concluded on Friday night, beating the INEC deadline. ExecutiveBranch
The nomination forms were presented on behalf of President Tinubu by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Masari. The ceremony was attended by APC governors led by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, some governors, deputy governors, members of the National Working Committee, the APC Caucus in the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council, senate and governorship candidates, and other party leaders and stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Yilwatda said the occasion climaxed a process that began with primary elections across all levels of government, from the House of Assembly to the National Assembly to governorship and the presidential primary. “Today is a reflection of the wishes of over 12 million of our members of APC who overwhelmingly voted Mr President as their candidate to flag off the party candidature in the 2027 presidential election,” he said. ExecutiveBranch
He added that beneficiaries of the administration’s programmes, including over 1.5 million students on the student loan scheme and their families, as well as communities benefiting from new road networks across the six geopolitical zones and fertiliser support to farmers in states such as Borno and Niger, would swell the ranks of those voting for the president.
Yilwatda urged governors and supporters to mobilise and publicise the administration’s achievements, saying his own people have fact-checked claims of government projects during a visit to his community and found them accurate.
He charged Masari to convey to President Tinubu that party members would vote massively for him in the election, expressing confidence that the APC would post its highest-ever votes across the geopolitical zones.
“We are not afraid, we are not in doubt of our success, there is no shaking at all in any way, that come 2027 our victory as a party is assured and assured,” Yilwatda said.
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