The Nigeria Democracy Working Group (NDWG), a coalition of civil society organizations, has criticized Federal High Court judges in Kano State for actions it claims undermine democracy and public security.
The group singled out Justice Simon Amobeda for a recent ruling that removed the Chairman and five members of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KNSIEC) just days before local government elections.
In a statement, the group denounced the judgment, calling it an attempt to “destabilize the peace and security of the state” and undermine the democratic will of Kano’s residents.
The NDWG accused the Federal High Courts in Kano of issuing inconsistent and disruptive rulings that create discord.
“This judicial system has lost the right to claim any legitimacy of constitutionalism or sanctity,” the group stated, describing the ruling as harmful to democracy and social justice.
The NDWG warned that such decisions would erode public trust in the judiciary and announced plans to mobilize 1,000 organizations to petition against Justice Amobeda.
Dr. Vincent Okpara Innocent, the group’s convener, urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun, to take action against Amobeda, stating, “It is time for the new leadership of the Nigerian Judiciary to cleanse the system.”
The group emphasized that the judiciary must protect democracy and the rule of law, rather than serve powerful interests, and pointed to the harm recent rulings have caused to Nigeria’s democratic processes.