After just three months into his presidential term, Bola Tinubu is grappling with a continuation of the flagrant disregard for the rule of law and defiance of court orders that persisted under his predecessor. The Department of State Services (DSS) is at the forefront of this assault, solidifying its reputation for acting with impunity. In a recent case presided over by Judge Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos, the judge strongly criticized the Federal Government for consistently ignoring court orders. If Tinubu does not take swift action to rein in these officials and agencies that are trampling on the law, his democratic credibility may be irreparably damaged.
Exasperated by the defiance of state authorities, Judge Oweibo expressed his frustration with the government’s tendency to render court orders ineffective through non-compliance. He dismissed the charge against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, due to lack of diligent prosecution. Oweibo rebuked the government for not abiding by the law and respecting the court.
Tinubu, who has been active in the struggle for Nigeria’s democracy, must wholeheartedly embrace the principles of the rule of law. He should break away decisively from the impunity that characterized the Muhammadu Buhari administration, particularly with the DSS. It is noteworthy that while Tinubu retained the leadership of the DSS, he replaced chiefs of the military, customs, and police, which raises concerns about his stance on the agency’s disregard for the rule of law.
To bolster democracy and uphold the rule of law, Tinubu must ensure strict obedience to the law and reinforce the autonomy of statutory institutions. The disregard for court orders undermines democracy and creates a fertile ground for chaos. Disobeying court orders not only undermines the foundations of democracy but also paves the way for a breakdown of law and order.
Numerous instances of disobedience to court orders have occurred in Nigeria, demonstrating a lack of respect for the judicial system. Individuals such as Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra separatist group, and Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, have been subjected to violations of their rights and defiance of court orders.
Tinubu’s responsibility is clear: he must initiate reforms within security agencies, particularly the DSS. Working alongside the new Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, Tinubu must ensure the restoration of the rule of law, adherence to court orders, and the deepening of democracy in Nigeria.