The international community is keeping a close eye on developments in Nigeria’s courts, so Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, or APC, has warned judicial officers nationwide not to render decisions that could jeopardize the country’s democratic process.
Speaking amid current legal issues between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, Frank voiced alarm about what he called attempts to use the judiciary against opposition political organizations in advance of future elections.
He urged the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and judges of the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court to protect the judiciary’s independence and withstand political pressure.
The ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to East Africa and the Middle East asserts that the law, not political factors, should be the sole basis for judicial rulings in politically sensitive matters.
“At this moment, the Chief Judge, all Federal High Court justices, and judges nationwide should exercise caution while handling political and other delicate issues. The world community is observing and paying attention, so they should exercise caution, Frank said.
Frank notably cited court cases involving ADC and former deputy national vice chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, claiming that attempts were being made to get court orders that may undermine the opposition ADC led by Senator David Mark and limit its involvement in the
In order to ensure that the ongoing ADC lawsuit is assigned to a compliant judge who will rule to prevent Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, as well as the party’s candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, Governor, and House of Assembly members in the upcoming general elections, he claimed to be aware of covert actions by the presidency to blackmail and intimidate the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court with accusations of corruption.
However, he cautioned that well-meaning Nigerians would oppose any such action in order to maintain and protect the nation’s democracy.
He cautioned that any decision seen as politically motivated could harm the public and encouraged judges handling such cases to ensure justice is administered without fear or favor.
I am reminding them, if they are unaware, that the whole community is keeping an eye on events in Nigeria, including what many believe to be false rulings. “Those involved will face repercussions and actions,” he declared.
“From now on, if they are unaware, I am informing them that judges who render decisions intended to stifle democracy will face repercussions from the international community, especially from the American government,” he declared.
Frank cautioned that these consequences might not be limited to specific judges.
Their families will also be impacted by the repercussions. They and their families may be subject to specific actions. Thus, they ought to exercise extreme caution,” he continued.
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