A coalition of civil society groups and legal experts has petitioned the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.
Specifically, they urge an immediate investigation into alleged judicial manipulation in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the groups highlights concerns about unfair trials and political interference in the judiciary. Consequently, they demand swift action to uphold judicial integrity and protect the rule of law.
Raising concerns over the judiciary’s integrity, the groups claim political actors exploit legal processes to consolidate power.
Signed by Egondu Esinwoke, Courage Nsirimovu, and 24 organizations, the petition accuses FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu of weaponizing courts to undermine democracy in Rivers State.
Central to their concerns, a recent Supreme Court decision reinstated 27 defected Rivers State lawmakers, contradicting established legal precedents.
The petitioners argue this ruling destabilizes the state government, labeling it a politically motivated distortion of justice.
An independent Judicial Accountability Panel, including three retired justices, deemed the judgment “perverse,” suggesting external interference influenced the outcome.
Additionally, the petition highlights Minister Wike’s alleged manipulation of judicial officers through close relationships with judges.
They reference a widely circulated article by Chidi Odinkalu, titled “Wiked Judges and Nyesomized Courts,” which details claims of compromised rulings favoring Wike’s interests.
The coalition asserts such practices erode public trust and violate the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the coalition condemns President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as unconstitutional.
They dismiss his justification—citing the Supreme Court ruling and delayed budget approvals—as a pretext for expanding federal control.
Critics argue this move aims to weaken local governance ahead of Tinubu’s potential re-election campaign.
Consequently, the coalition urges the UN to dispatch a delegation, investigate judicial corruption, and recommend reforms to restore accountability.
They emphasize that an independent judiciary remains vital for protecting democracy and citizens’ rights.
Endorsed by groups like RINGOCS, TMG, and Lawyers Alert, the petition reflects widespread alarm over Nigeria’s eroding legal safeguards.
Ultimately, the petitioners stress urgent UN intervention to halt further democratic backsliding.
They urge international pressure on Nigeria’s government to uphold constitutional principles in Rivers State.
By emphasizing transparency, the coalition seeks to reclaim judicial independence from political capture.
This case highlights deepening tensions between Nigeria’s judiciary and executive branches, with civil societies demanding global scrutiny.
Whether these efforts will prompt meaningful reforms remains uncertain, but the coalition’s persistent advocacy underscores the urgency of safeguarding judicial integrity in Nigeria.
As allegations multiply, the international community faces mounting calls to address systemic threats to justice and governance.
