The United World Congress of Diplomats has called on Western nations to impose visa restrictions on Nigerian judges who issue conflicting political and electoral rulings, arguing that such actions undermine democracy.
The congress specifically criticised judicial and political developments in Rivers, Osun, and Benue states, stating that judges and individuals involved in manipulating the law should face consequences.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Secretary-General of the UN-WCD, Prof. Tunji Asaolu, condemned what he described as undue judicial interference in political matters.
“We have received reports from some states in Nigeria such as Rivers State, the undue interferences of judiciary workers especially judges on political issues where conflicting orders were issued by judges just to frustrate democracy.
“In Osun State, there was a conflicting state High Court order and Appeal Court judgment over the dissolution of Local Government Council Chairmen and their reinstatement and a fresh election by the state electoral empire.
“The most recent and worrisome of all is the political interference by the Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, when he tried to undermine justice by granting waivers to petitioners of local government election tribunal not to pay security deposit as stipulated by law,” he said.
Asaolu stressed that such judicial actions violate the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, which upholds democratic values, human rights, and the supremacy of constitutional order.
“These behaviours are completely against the core objectives of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, ACDEG, which are to promote adherence, by each state party, to the universal values and principles of democracy and respect for human rights and also the principle of the rule of law premised upon the respect for, and the supremacy of the constitution and constitutional order in the political arrangements of the state parties, which is Nigeria in this case.
“The Benue State Chief Judge, the Registrar of the court, the current Senate Minority Leader, and all those who supported the actions of the Chief Judge publicly should be sanctioned and have their existing visas canceled and visa ban issued against them just as we advocated in the case of Rivers State and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials who purposely sabotaged democratic principles during elections,” he added.
The congress also highlighted Benue State’s significance to the international community due to persistent security challenges that have led to the establishment of numerous Internally Displaced Persons camps.
Furthermore, the diplomats urged Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to swiftly appoint an acting Chief Judge to prevent a judicial vacuum and ensure the continued administration of justice.
“Ensuring stability and continuity within the judicial system is crucial for safeguarding the rights and interests of the people.
“And finally, we call for a total reform of the Nigerian judiciary to rebuild the confidence of Nigerians in the system,” Asaolu stated.
