Politics
By Christabel Ejenike
OVER 200 Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, have warned the federal government against causing constitutional anarchy in the country by interference in the Supreme Court case filed by 19 states challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU.
Ifeanyi Odili, President of Campaign for Democracy and Dapo Oluwole, Executive Director of Transparency and Accountability Network, TAN, who spoke on behalf of the CSOs at a press conference on Tuesday in Lagos, said that they were concerned about this development.
The CSOs argued that the federal government’s preliminary objection action was an attempt to intimidate the judiciary and undermine the country’s constitutional integrity.
They emphasised that the courts should be allowed to determine whether these agencies were established in line with the 1999 Constitution as amended. ¹.
According to the CSOs, any unconstitutional act by the government or individuals will eventually be deemed null and void under intense legal scrutiny.
The CSOs explained that the constitution is supreme and that it binds all citizens, institutions of government and political actors.
They advocated for the independence of the judiciary in interpreting the constitution and resolving the controversy surrounding the establishment of the EFCC.
The CSOs emphasised the importance of adhering to the rule of law and due processes in establishing agencies of government.
The CSOs disclosed that their lawyers have been advised to explore the possibility of joining the suit alongside the 19 states already in court, while reaffirming their commitment to upholding democracy and ensuring that the judiciary remains the guardian of the constitution.
The 200 civil society organizations also underscored the importance of constitutional democracy and the need for government institutions to adhere to the rule of law.
23rd October, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Dapo Oluwole NFIU Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit TAN
