A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has petitioned the United Nations, demanding an immediate investigation into the alleged weaponization of the Nigerian judiciary for political and economic gains by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The petitions were signed by over 20 prominent CSOs, including the Rivers Indigenous NGOs and Civil Society Network (RINGOCS), the Civil Liberties Organisation – South-South Zone, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), and other advocacy groups.
The documents dated March 26 were separately addressed to the UN Human Rights Committee and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite.
The group called for an urgent visit to Nigeria to assess what they described as a systematic compromise of the judiciary that led to the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
According to the petitioners, the declaration did not meet the legal criteria for a state of emergency, as Rivers State was not experiencing war, violent unrest, or any other conditions outlined in Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The petition referenced an article by human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu, who alleged that Wike had cultivated undue influence over the judiciary.
The CSOs claimed that this influence played a role in the Supreme Court’s ruling that reinstated 27 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, an action they believe set the stage for the federal government’s intervention in the state’s affairs.
The group argued that the judiciary has become a tool for political manipulation, citing Rule 2.8 of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers in Nigeria (2016), which states that judges should avoid close relationships with government officials or frequent litigants that could create an appearance of bias.
The coalition claim that the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu and the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara were politically motivated, alleging that it was aimed at consolidating Wike’s control over the state’s political structure, positioning him as a key player in Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
They also raised concerns over erosion of fundamental rights in the State, alleging that freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly have been severely restricted, with security forces warning against protests or criticism of the federal government’s actions.
The group, therefore, called on the UN to investigate allegations of corruption in the judiciary and hold the Nigerian government accountable for actions that undermine democracy.
They also urged the international community to pressure the federal government to reverse the emergency declaration and restore full democratic governance in Rivers State.
“The President’s declaration of a State of Emergency and suspension of the elected Governor of Rivers State was purely political and unconstitutional.
“Section 188 of the constitution of Nigeria stipulates the procedure for the removal of a Governor and any action outside the prescribed procedure under the section afore-referenced is unconstitutional and void. Section 1(2) of the constitution frowns at the imposition of military rule on River’s people.
“As at the moment, all withheld monthly federal allocations have now been released to the Sole Military Administrator who is accountable not to the people but to President Bola Tinubu, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio – who superintended over the Senate approval of the constitutional blunder and; the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Today, freedom of expression and the press is threatened; the right to peaceful assembly has eroded; the people cannot speak out or protest because the military has warned against any form of procession against the President’s action.
“Officials of Rivers State Government, duly serving the people are being forced to resign and/or removed.
Tension, anxiety and uncertainty is palpable in the climate of the state.
“Consequently, it is our prayer that you use your good offices to: Prevail the President of Nigeria to restore democratic governance in Rivers State.
“Place sanctions on Nigeria for defaulting in her obligation to promote democracy and democratic institutions within her territory.
“Advise the President to limit his actions within the confines of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the ultimate law and from whence he derives his powers and authority,” the document read, in part.
