Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has asked Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and 36 States Governors to stop giving cars and houses to judges.

SERAP said Wike and the Governors are usurping the authority and responsibilities of the National Judicial Council, NJC through giving cars and houses to judges.

This was contained in an open letter signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, made available to Newsmen on Sunday.
The letter was also copied to Ms. Margaret Satterthwaite, UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.

SERAP said it shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel Tinubu’s government and the attorneys general of the 36 states to comply with the organization’s request in the public interest.

SERAP argued that “Politicians ought to keep their hands off the judiciary and respect and protect its integrity and independence. Politicians must treat judges with dignity and respect.”

According to the statement, such practices of gifting judges cars and houses are clearly antithetical to the constitutional principles of separation of powers, checks and balances and the rule of law, and may create the perception that the judiciary is subservient to the executive.

SERAP, therefore, urged Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to challenge in court the constitutionality and legality of the practices by members of the executive of giving cars and houses to judges in Abuja and across the states.

SERAP said, “The Nigerian Constitution and international standards make clear that the judiciary is neither subservient to the executive nor the legislature.”

“Undermining the fundamental principle of separation of powers risks constraining the ability of the judiciary to act as a check on the executive.”

“Your government has the constitutional and international obligations to promote public confidence in the judiciary and safeguard the rule of law.”