Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have dismissed allegations made by Chidi Anselm Odinkalu against the FCT High Court and Chief Judge Husseini Baba Yusuf as baseless and misleading.
Chidi Anselm Odinkalu recently made allegations against the FCT High Court and Chief Judge Husseini Baba Yusuf, claiming that the Chief Judge was involved in a plot to stifle protests and undermine the judiciary.
However, Olufemi Adegoke, National Spokesperson for the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has debunked Odinkalu’s allegations as unfounded.
“Odinkalu’s claims are unfounded and calculated to undermine the integrity of the judiciary,” Adegoke said. “The Chief Judge was on holiday during the recent ruling by Justice Oriji and had no direct involvement.”
Adegoke clarified that the FCT High Court did not grant orders restraining protesters from exercising their constitutional rights, but rather aimed to ensure public safety and prevent disruptions to public peace.
He also dismissed Odinkalu’s claim that the Chief Judge relocated to the Minister’s office to “display assets” as a blatant lie, stating that the meeting was a routine courtesy visit to discuss matters of mutual interest.
“Odinkalu’s rhetoric raises a critical question: would he prefer that Nigeria be overrun by hoodlums under the guise of protests?” Adegoke asked. “The order issued by Justice Oriji was instrumental in preventing such an invasion of Abuja by criminal elements, ensuring that the peace and security of the nation’s capital were maintained.”
Adegoke urged Nigerians to disregard Odinkalu’s unfounded accusations and recognize the judiciary’s role in maintaining law and order. He also warned those planning to protest against the Chief Judge to desist from such actions, emphasizing that any attempts to disrupt public order or undermine the judiciary will not be tolerated.
The CSOs reiterated their commitment to supporting the rule of law and ensuring justice is upheld in Nigeria, standing firmly with the judiciary and advocating for actions promoting peace, security, and citizens’ Rights.
Read full statement below:
Debunking the Allegations Against the FCT High Court and the Honorable Chief Judge
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have taken note of the scurrilous allegations made by Chidi Anselm Odinkalu against the FCT High Court and the Honorable Chief Judge, Husseini Baba Yusuf.
Odinkalu’s article unfairly targets the Chief Judge, despite the fact that the Chief Judge was on holiday and had no direct involvement in the recent ruling by Justice Oriji.
We categorically debunk these allegations as baseless, misleading, and calculated to undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
Setting the Record Straight
1. The judgement made by Justice Oriji, which temporarily restricts protests to the stadium within the FCT, was a measured response to the clear and present danger of protests being hijacked by hoodlums. Nigeria has witnessed how genuine protests can devolve into chaos, with criminal elements seizing the opportunity to loot, destroy property, and incite violence. The restriction to stadium venues was not an attempt to stifle legitimate dissent, but rather a strategic measure to protect citizens and public infrastructure from potential harm.
2. It is important to clarify that the Chief Judge of the FCT was on holiday during the time of Justice Oriji’s ruling. As such, the Chief Judge could not have influenced or dictated the decisions of other judges. The judiciary operates independently, and each judge is empowered to make decisions based on the law and the facts presented before them. Odinkalu’s attempt to drag the Chief Judge into this matter is a clear case of misrepresentation.
3. The FCT High Court did not grant any orders restraining protesters from exercising their constitutional rights. The court’s order was aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing any potential disruptions to the public peace.
4. The allegation that the Chief Judge relocated to the Minister’s office to “display assets” is a blatant lie. The meeting was a routine courtesy visit to discuss matters of mutual interest.
5. The claim that the Chief Judge instructed Administrative Judges to assign cases involving the FCT to himself is false. Case assignment is a routine administrative process, and the Chief Judge has not departed from established protocols.
6. The FCT Minister did not initiate proceedings without notice to the defendants. The ex parte application was made in accordance with established legal procedures.
7. We ask Chidi Anselm Odinkalu: Would he have preferred that Nigeria be invaded by hoodlums? The order from Justice Oriji helped to stop hoodlums from invading Abuja and causing chaos. Is that not a commendable effort to maintain law and order?
8. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these unfounded accusations and to recognize the judiciary’s role in maintaining law and order. Odinkalu’s rhetoric raises a critical question: would he prefer that Nigeria be overrun by hoodlums under the guise of protests? The order issued by Justice Oriji was instrumental in preventing such an invasion of Abuja by criminal elements, ensuring that the peace and security of the nation’s capital were maintained. The FCT High Court and the Honorable Chief Judge have acted with integrity and in accordance with the law.
9. We urge those planning to protest against the Chief Judge of the FCT to desist from such actions. Any attempts to disrupt public order or to undermine the judiciary will not be tolerated. The law will take its course, and those found engaging in illegal activities will be held accountable.
10. We also imploy all civil society groups and online platforms to exercise responsibility in their advocacy. Misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, as seen in Odinkalu’s article, only serve to incite unnecessary tension and to discredit the genuine efforts of the judiciary to maintain peace and order in our society.
Conclusion
CSOs reiterate its commitment to supporting the rule of law and to ensuring that justice is upheld in Nigeria. We stand firmly with the judiciary and will continue to advocate for actions that promote peace, security, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Signed
Olufemi Adegoke
National SPOKESPERSON
Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria (COCSON)