The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association has resolved to petition the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies following claims of interference in the judicial process.
The decision comes after comments attributed to Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, in which he claimed involvement in engagements with justices of the Supreme Court during the 2019 Kano governorship election dispute. Kwankwaso said he took Abba Yusuf, then Kano governor, to meet Supreme Court justices after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the election inconclusive. The apex court later ruled in favour of Abdullahi Ganduje, dismissing Yusuf’s petition.
Reacting to the comments, the NBA noted that such claims could undermine public confidence in the independence of the judiciary and the electoral justice system. The association stressed that the petition would not be limited to Kwankwaso alone but would extend to anyone making statements or admissions suggesting undue influence over judicial decisions.
The NBA clarified that the petition targets the claims themselves and does not presume guilt. Its objective is to ensure allegations of this nature are subjected to a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation. The association emphasized that false claims of judicial interference are dangerous to constitutional democracy and must be repudiated, while accountability must follow where such claims are verified.
The NEC has mandated the NBA’s national executive committee to prepare and submit a formal petition requesting comprehensive investigations into the allegations. The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the integrity of the courts.
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