During court verdict, HURIWA failed to reconstitute NNPC board
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a distinguished civil rights group, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s current reconstitution of the administration board of the Nigerian National Oil Company, saying it violated a binding judgment of a reliable court. Stated.
Speaking on behalf of HURIWA and a coalition of 10 non-governmental organizations, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, mentioned at a press convention that the President made the announcement whereas acknowledging that the Federal Government had taken the next steps: He mentioned it was unlawful. He appealed towards the Federal High Court’s choice that annulled the elimination of Senator Ifianyi Ararume as founding chairman of NNPC Ltd.
Mr. Fuliwa mentioned: “The rule of legislation is the cornerstone of a democratic society and its ideas have to be upheld always. raises severe issues concerning the federal authorities’s efforts to adjust to the principles of the United States.
“Firstly, we acknowledge the ability of the President to make appointments underneath Article 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. However, amidst the authorized dispute over the elimination of Senator Niidume, these Not solely is the timing of the appointment questionable, however it’s a clear affront to the rule of legislation.
“In the case of Ifeanyi Ararume v. President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared that Mr. Ararume’s elimination as non-executive chairman of the NNPC was unfair and ordered his reinstatement. ordered damages of NOK 5 billion in favor of the MP. This choice will probably be binding till put aside by a reliable court.
“The query that begs for a solution is: Where is the respect for the rule of legislation when the Federal Government, via President Tinubu, is continuing with new appointments whereas appeals towards the court’s selections are nonetheless pending and subsisting? This act shouldn’t be solely a disregard for the judicial course of, but additionally an exhibition of illegality and impunity.
“The precept of ‘sub-judges’, which prohibits discussing the deserves of instances already earlier than the courts, is well-established in our jurisprudence. It prevents interference with the judicial course of and ensures that the events are honest and President Tinubu’s choice to make new appointments to the NNPC whereas the attraction is pending is a transparent violation of this precept.
“Furthermore, the precept of ‘star-decision’ offers that the court’s selections are binding on all decrease courts and authorities. By doing so, it undermines the authority of the judiciary and units a harmful precedent.
“We cite R v. Sussex J.C., McCarthy J.C. (1924) 1 KB 256, the place Lord Hewart CJ famously mentioned: “It is evident and likely that The federal authorities’s actions in making new appointments regardless of ongoing authorized challenges solid a shadow on the integrity of the judicial course of.
“Furthermore, we refer to the case of Adegoke Motors Ltd. v. Adesanya (1989) 3 NWLR (Pt. 109) 250, in which the Supreme Court took steps to nullify the outcome of a pending legal proceeding. The court held that the parties should not take this action. If the federal government persisted in making new appointments, the appellate court could face a “fait accompli,” rendering any decision on the appeal moot. A situation is being created.”
Huliwa, subsequently, known as for the cancellation of the current appointments within the NNPC pending the judgment of the attraction within the case of Senator Ararume.
“We name on President Tinubu and the Federal Government to respect the rule of legislation, abide by the precept of deference to the judiciary and uphold the sanctity of judicial selections. Legal proceedings proceed unimpeded. All makes an attempt to circumvent the rule of legislation must be strictly condemned.
“While we emphasize the significance of upholding the rule of legislation, we should additionally acknowledge the far-reaching influence these actions have on the material of our nation’s democracy.As guardians of justice, the judiciary should be certain that particular person rights are protected. They play an important function in guaranteeing safety, and their selections are important to sustaining the fragile steadiness of energy between the three branches of presidency.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, clearly delineates the powers and features of the chief, legislative and judicial branches of presidency. It goals to stop the emergence of authoritarianism.
“When the chief department of presidency, on this case the president, ignores judicial selections and advances actions that instantly contradict these selections, it undermines the fragile checks and balances that keep our democracy. “Senator Niidome is not the only one whose rights are being violated. The very foundations of our democratic system are under threat,” the group added.
Source: guardian.ng