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Stop Wike, Governors From Giving Judges Cars, Houses – SERAP Tells Tinubu

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1 month ago

Nov 10, 2024.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the 36 state governors from bypassing the National Judicial Council (NJC) by providing cars and housing for judges.

SERAP argues that such actions violate the principles of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary, potentially fostering the impression that judges are beholden to the executive.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in an open letter dated November 9, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized that political officials must respect judicial autonomy and refrain from influencing the judiciary through financial perks.

SERAP urged President Tinubu to direct Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi to challenge the constitutionality of these practices, ensuring judiciary independence and reinforcing democratic governance.

The letter, also addressed to UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, noted that weakening the separation of powers could compromise judicial impartiality and its role in checking executive power.

SERAP warned that if no action is taken within seven days, they would pursue legal action to compel compliance.

The group reminded President Tinubu of his constitutional duty to uphold public trust in the judiciary, citing sections of the Nigerian Constitution that mandate direct funding for the judiciary to prevent undue influence.

Governors Judges SERAP Tinubu

SERAP also referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Executive Order No. 10, which mandated financial autonomy for state judiciaries.

To secure judicial independence, SERAP recommended increased constitutional funding mechanisms for the judiciary to improve working conditions and welfare, urging an end to executive interference through personal benefits for judges.