Prominent human rights advocate, Femi Falana (SAN), has strongly denied recent accusations made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, claiming Falana misrepresented a Supreme Court ruling on the defection of lawmakers in Rivers State.

In a statement issued Sunday titled “I Did Not Lie Against the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Falana described Wike’s claims as baseless and misleading, accusing the minister of trying to turn the Supreme Court against him.

Clarifying his position, Falana stated that his comments were grounded in the actual facts of the case and consistent with the court’s own statements. He emphasized that the matter of the lawmakers’ defection had been raised suo motu—on the court’s own motion—and ruled upon by the Supreme Court, despite the issue still being before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt at the time.

He pointed out that the legislators had openly admitted—both in public videos and sworn affidavits—that they had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Falana questioned Wike’s outrage, noting the irony that the minister once celebrated the same Supreme Court ruling, even organizing a thanksgiving event in its honor. Yet, he now attacks Falana for analyzing the same judgment.

Reaffirming his right to comment on judicial rulings, Falana cited Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which protect the right to freedom of expression—including criticism of judicial decisions.

He also took a swipe at Wike’s legal record, sarcastically remarking that the minister is “the only life bencher in Nigeria who has never handled a case in any trial or appellate court.”

Falana underscored that his critiques are always respectful and rooted in a desire to strengthen the legal system, quoting the late Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa: “We are final not because we are infallible; rather we are infallible because we are final.” He also referenced former Chief Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who encouraged lawyers to point out errors in judicial decisions when necessary.

In response to Wike’s suggestion that lawyers critical of the judiciary should be sanctioned by the Body of Benchers, Falana dismissed the idea, urging that any legitimate grievances be directed to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, rather than voiced through the media.

On the larger issue, Falana warned that the Supreme Court’s recent decision on defections risks encouraging unchecked political cross-carpeting. He called on the judiciary to reaffirm earlier rulings—including Attorney-General of the Federation v. Atiku Abubakar (2007), Dapialong v. Dariye (2007), and Abegunde v. Ondo State House of Assembly (2015)—which held that lawmakers who defect without solid justification must forfeit their seats.

Falana concluded by urging Wike to stop posturing as the unsolicited protector of the judiciary and cautioned against using political power to stifle legitimate legal commentary.