Coalition Criticize Reconstitution of NNPCL Board

Coalition Criticize Reconstitution of NNPCL Board

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria HURIWA and a coalition of ten non-governmental organizations have criticized the recent reconstitution of the management board of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited by President Bola Tinubu.

According to HURIWA, this decision is unconstitutional as it violates a binding judgment issued by a competent court of law.

The group in a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko argued that it was illegal for President Tinubu to make such an announcement when he knew that the Federal Government had appealed a Federal High Court’s Judgment that invalidated Senator Ifeanyi Ararume’s removal as Chairman of NNPC Ltd on inception.

HURIWA acknowledges President Tinubu’s authority under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 to make appointments, they question the timing and legality of these appointments amidst ongoing litigation related to NNPC board. I

n Ifeanyi Ararume vs. President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared Ararume’s removal from his position as wrongful and ordered his reinstatement while awarding damages worth N5 billion in favor of Senator Ararume. This ruling remains binding until set aside by a competent court.

The actions taken by President Tinubu raise serious concerns about respect for rule-of-law principles at all times, especially during legal disputes involving government agencies or officials.

The doctrine of ‘sub judice,’ which prohibits discussing pending cases outside courts, exists in our legal jurisprudence to prevent interference with judicial processes and ensure fair adjudication for parties involved.

Moreover, according to ‘stare decisis’ principle decisions made in one case are binding on inferior courts and authorities; hence making new appointments despite previous rulings undermines judicial authority and sets dangerous precedents.

 HURIWA called for reversal of  recent appointments pending determination appeal in Senator Ararume’s case.

‘’The importance upholding rule-of-law must be emphasized recognizing broader implications these actions may have on democratic fabric nation where judiciary plays pivotal role ensuring rights individuals protected maintaining delicate balance power among three arms government.’’

‘’When executive arm disregards decisions judiciary proceeding actions contradict those decisions undermine checks balances sustaining democracy not just violating individual rights but threatening very foundation system itself’’ he added.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *