In a recent development, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed serious concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s alleged decision to inaugurate the new Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) amidst an ongoing legal battle in the Court of Appeal.

HURIWA, in a strongly worded statement, criticized the President’s move, stating that inaugurating the board during the legal proceedings reflects a disregard for the rule of law and a lack of respect for the judiciary. The organization argued that such actions set a dangerous precedent and undermine justice and fairness in the country.

The statement, signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, highlighted the violation of a Federal High Court judgment that restrained the President from removing Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume as the Non-Executive Director of NNPC Ltd. HURIWA emphasized that the court’s decision remains valid and in effect.

Expressing shock at the President’s alleged disobedience of the court judgment, HURIWA condemned the purported appointment and inauguration of a new Board and Management Team for NNPC Ltd instead of implementing the court’s ruling. The organization accused the President of overruling the courts and undermining the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, where the federal government has a pending appeal.

“It is shocking that rather than obey the valid and extant judgment of the court, the President has taken the laws into his hands to overrule the courts and usurp the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal by taking steps to undermine the judgment through such illegal appointments,” the statement reads.

In response to these developments, HURIWA called on Senator Ifeanyi Ararume to file a contempt application against the new board members, urging the court to take appropriate action to protect the sanctity of its proceedings. The organization emphasized that regardless of status, individuals and institutions must be held accountable for flouting legal processes.

HURIWA also pointed out the violation of legal principles, particularly the doctrine of ‘sub judice,’ which prohibits discussions on the merits of a case before a court. The organization condemned President Tinubu’s decision to proceed with new appointments and inauguration while an appeal is pending, citing it as a clear disregard for the judicial process and an act of lawlessness.

Furthermore, HURIWA referenced the “stare decisis” principle, requiring adherence to court decisions, highlighting President Tinubu’s actions as undermining judicial authority and setting a dangerous precedent.

In addition, the rights group referenced historical legal cases, including R v. Sussex Justices, Ex parte McCarthy, and Adegoke Motors Ltd. v. Adesanya, to emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of ongoing legal proceedings.

HURIWA’s statement argued that the federal government’s insistence on making new appointments during a legal challenge creates a situation where the appellate court may face a predetermined outcome, rendering any decision on the appeal meaningless.

Moreover, HURIWA argued that the President’s actions might violate the principles of the separation of powers, encroaching upon the domain of the judiciary. The organization called for a thorough investigation into the inauguration’s circumstances and the subsequent warning of dissolution.

Condemning the President’s alleged behavior, HURIWA emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law and urged relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly and the Nigerian Bar Association, to investigate the matter thoroughly.

The organization concluded by acknowledging the challenges faced by the oil and gas industry in Nigeria but insisted that addressing these challenges must be done within the confines of the law and with due respect for legal processes and the independence of the judiciary.