Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank, has urged judicial officers across Nigeria to uphold the independence of the judiciary and avoid decisions that could undermine the country’s democratic process, warning that the international community is closely monitoring developments within the nation’s courts.
Mr Frank made the call amid ongoing legal disputes involving the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and its former deputy national chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the political activist expressed concern over what he described as attempts to use the judiciary to weaken opposition political parties ahead of future elections.
He specifically appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the National Judicial Council, NJC, judges of the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court to remain guided by the rule of law and resist any form of political pressure.
According to Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, ULMWP, Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, politically sensitive cases should be determined strictly on their legal merits rather than partisan considerations.
“The Chief Judge and all judges of the Federal High Court, as well as judges across the country, should be cautious in the way they handle political and other sensitive cases at this time. They should be careful because the international community is watching and paying attention,” he said.
Mr Frank referenced the legal tussles involving the ADC and Nafiu Bala Gombe, alleging that efforts were being made to obtain court orders capable of weakening the opposition party led by former Senate President, David Mark.
He further alleged that there were attempts to secure judicial rulings that could affect the participation of key opposition figures and candidates in future elections.
The former APC spokesman claimed to be aware of what he described as moves to influence the handling of ongoing litigation involving the ADC. However, he did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
He warned that any attempt to use the courts to exclude political parties or candidates from the democratic process would face resistance from Nigerians committed to preserving democracy.
According to him, judges handling politically sensitive matters must ensure that justice is dispensed without fear or favour in order to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
Mr Frank also claimed that developments within Nigeria’s judicial system were attracting increasing international attention.
“If they are not aware, I am reminding them that the international community is monitoring what is happening in Nigeria, including what many perceive as fraudulent judgments. There will be consequences and actions against those involved,” he stated.
He further alleged that judicial officers who participate in actions capable of undermining democracy could face sanctions from foreign governments and international institutions.
“From now on, if they do not know, I am telling them that there will be consequences from the international community, particularly from the American government, for judges who give judgments aimed at truncating democracy,” he said.
Mr Frank added that such consequences, according to him, could extend beyond the affected judicial officers.
The activist stressed that his warning was directed not only at judges of the Federal High Court but also at members of the appellate courts, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
“This warning is not only for the Federal High Court. It also applies to the entire judiciary, including judges of the Court of Appeal and Justices of the Supreme Court,” he said.
Describing the current political environment as highly sensitive, Frank urged judicial officers not to allow themselves to be used as instruments for settling political scores or excluding legitimate political actors from electoral contests.
“Everyone must understand that this election is very sensitive and very critical. If judges allow themselves to be used by the government or by politicians to undermine the process, there will be consequences,” he warned.
