The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has resolved for the Association to formally petition the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies regarding claims of interference with the judicial process linked to a former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
This resolution emerged from NEC discussions in light of widespread public interest surrounding comments reportedly made by Kwankwaso, in which he asserts involvement in discussions with Justices of the Supreme Court during the 2019 Kano State governorship election proceedings.
According to the NEC, such claims, whether articulated directly or implied, could undermine public trust in the independence of the judiciary and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral justice system.
Moreover, the Council determined that the petition’s scope should not be confined solely to claims attributed to Kwankwaso, but should also encompass any other individuals who have made statements, admissions, or public comments indicating that they sought to influence, attempted to influence, or improperly accessed judicial officers or judicial decision-making processes.
In adopting this resolution, NEC emphasized that the petition targets the claims and assertions themselves, not presuming guilt. The objective, the Council noted, is to ensure that such serious allegations are investigated thoroughly, impartially, and professionally.
The NEC further highlighted that if these claims are proven false, they are detrimental to constitutional democracy and should be decisively condemned. Conversely, if they are substantiated, accountability must follow strictly according to legal standards.
Thus, NEC has tasked the National Executive Committee of the NBA with preparing and submitting a formal petition to the Nigeria Police Force and other appropriate security agencies, seeking a comprehensive investigation into claims of judicial interference or influence.
The Council stated that this initiative aims to protect judicial independence and restore public trust in the administration of justice.
The Nigerian Bar Association reiterated its steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the principle that no individual, irrespective of status or political background, is entitled to make or disseminate claims that undermine the integrity of the courts without lawful scrutiny.
