By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) says it has resolved to petition the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies over claims of interference in the judicial process.
The NBA’s move follows claims by the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, of his involvement in engagements with justices of the Supreme Court during the 2019 Kano governorship election proceedings.
Kwankwaso claimed that during the 2019 governorship election dispute in Kano State, he took the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to see justices of the Supreme Court after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the election inconclusive.
The NNPP national leader made the remarks while addressing supporters after Yusuf defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the 2019 election matter, the apex court ruled in favour of Abdullahi Ganduje, affirming his election and dismissing Yusuf’s petition.
The NBA, while reacting to the comments in a statement posted by the Secretary to the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers’ Forum, Etaba Agbor, on X, said the NEC deliberated on the comments after they attracted widespread public attention.
It noted that such claims, whether made directly or by implication, are capable of undermining public confidence in the independence of the judiciary and Nigeria’s electoral justice system.
The association said the petition would not be limited to Kwankwaso alone but would extend to any individual who has made statements, admissions, or public comments suggesting improper access to judicial officers or undue influence over judicial decision-making.
The association noted that the petition is directed at the claims themselves and does not amount to a presumption of guilt.
It said, “The objective is to ensure that allegations of this gravity are subjected to thorough, impartial, and professional investigation.”
The NBA added that false claims of judicial interference are “dangerous and corrosive to constitutional democracy” and must be firmly repudiated, while stressing that where such claims are found to be true, accountability must follow in accordance with the law.
The body mandated the NEC of the NBA to prepare and submit a formal petition to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies, requesting a comprehensive investigation into all such claims.
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the integrity of the courts.
