Biafra: The Federal Government Has Become Accustomed To Disobeying Court Orders

 Biafra: The Federal Government Has Become Accustomed To Disobeying Court Orders 

■ Author: Amarachukwu Debby Francis

■ Twitter:@umuchiukwu

■ 30.07.2023 

Disobedience to court orders is unacceptable in a Democratic state as the rule of law is the foundation of democracy, yet Nigeria, Africa's supposed biggest democracy has become accustomed to disobeying court orders. This persistent and deliberate contravention of court pronouncements has shattered the citizens' confidence in the justice system. 

Their protection against corruption and human rights violations is left hanging in the balance even after court decisions. Nigeria has normalized flaunting court orders, thereby making a mockery of the judiciary and further damaging the country's international reputation. All arms of the government have in various instances trampled upon the rule of law with impunity. Notable instances include a court order from July 5, 2017, asking the federal government to disclose recovered stolen assets, which they never obeyed. 

Another judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris on May 28, 2018, ordered the prosecution of senior lawmakers allegedly involved in stealing 481 billion nairas from the 2016 budget, but the government did not comply. Furthermore, the judgment by Justice Chuka Obiozor on July 4, 2019, requiring the government to publish the names of companies and contractors who collected public funds for electricity projects since 1999 but failed to execute them was also ignored. 

Also Read: The Consequences Of Sabotaging IPOB For Political Ambitions Will Be Severe

The ongoing high-profile case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, is also significant. 

The federal government again wantonly dismissed the judgment of an Abuja Federal High Court delivered on October 13, 2022, which discharged and acquitted him ordering his unconditional release and prohibiting further trial. He is currently still being illegally detained by the federal government. 

These instances are just a few examples of the federal government's disobedience to court orders that do not align with its agenda and benefits. The world should be aware that Nigeria's persistent violation of court orders makes a caricature of democracy, hence, the insistence of IPOB led by Nnamdi Kanu on restoring Biafra - the origin of democracy. 

 

Edited By Ozioma Onwe 

Published By Umuchiukwu Writers