…urges NJC to protect judiciary
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to safeguard the independence, integrity and credibility of the Nigerian judiciary, expressing concerns over a recent court judgment arising from the party’s leadership dispute.
In an open letter addressed to the Chairman of the NJC on Friday, July 24, George said he was compelled to speak as a concerned citizen, democrat and PDP BoT member over developments he said had raised serious questions about public confidence in the administration of justice and the role of the courts in protecting constitutional democracy.
While reading the letter, George explained that the suit before the court was instituted by the Chairman and members of the PDP Board of Trustees to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with existing judgments of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Federal High Court by updating its official records to reflect what he described as the authentic leadership of the party under Chief Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
According to him, rather than determining the constitutional issues raised in the suit, including whether INEC was legally bound to implement the subsisting judgments, the court dismissed the action as a waste of judicial time.
He further stated that the court awarded costs of N140 million against the PDP Board of Trustees and an additional N10 million against its counsel.
George described the development as troubling, arguing that the issues involved extended beyond the internal affairs of the PDP and touched on the broader principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law.
He said that judgments of the Supreme Court and other superior courts remain binding on all authorities until set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction, stressing that no administrative body has the legal authority to disregard such judgments.
The PDP chieftain also criticised the Nyesom Wike-led faction’s reported expulsion of senior members of the party, describing the development as illogical and inconsistent with the party’s structure.
“It is the greatest joke in the civilised international community today. Morally and ethically, is it possible for a child to expel a father from his house whilst the father is still alive,” George stated in the letter.
He argued that the judiciary occupies a unique position as the guardian of the Constitution and the rule of law, warning that any perception of political influence or constitutional inconsistency in judicial decisions could erode public trust in the courts.
George reminded the NJC of its constitutional responsibility to preserve judicial independence, discipline and ethical standards, saying the council must act whenever judicial decisions generate widespread public concern.
He warned that declining confidence in the judiciary could weaken democratic institutions, diminish respect for the rule of law and threaten constitutional governance.
According to him, the preservation of judicial integrity is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, urging the NJC to demonstrate courage, impartiality and commitment to constitutional principles.
George called on the council to ensure that the judiciary remains insulated from political pressure and continues to administer justice without fear or favour.
(The Sun)
