The Human Right Writers Association of Nigeria has expressed grave concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s alleged decision to inaugurate the new Board of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) amid an ongoing legal battle in the Court of Appeal.
HURIWA who issued a strongly worded statement criticizing the President’s move, stated that inaugurating the board during legal proceedings reflects a disregard for the rule of law and a lack of respect for the judiciary.
The right group argued that such actions set a dangerous precedent and undermine justice and fairness in Nigeria.
HURIWA in a statement signed by its National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko highlighted how this action violated Federal High Court judgment restraining President Tinubu from removing Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume as Non-Executive Director of NNPC Ltd., emphasizing that court decisions must be respected.
HURIWA condemned President Tinubu’s purported appointment and inauguration of a new Board and Management Team instead of implementing court rulings while there is still pending appeal before higher courts.
The rights group called on Senator Ifeanyi Ararume to file contempt charges against those appointed, while urging appropriate action to protect judicial sanctity.
The group also referenced historical legal cases like R v Sussex Justices, Ex parte McCarthy, Adegoke Motors Ltd. v Adesanya highlighting importance in maintaining integrity within ongoing legal proceedings.
HURIWA acknowledged challenges faced by oil/gas industry but insisted addressing them must be done within confines with due respect for legal processes/independence judiciary.
