SERAP Urges Wike, State Governors to Cease Gifts of Cars, Houses to Judge

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the 36 state governors to halt the practice of gifting cars and houses to judges, asserting that it undermines judicial independence.

In an open letter signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and made available to Newsmen on Sunday, the organization argued that such acts encroach upon the authority of the National Judicial Council (NJC), which is responsible for judicial welfare.

The letter was also copied to Margaret Satterthwaite, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.

SERAP stated that it may pursue legal actions to compel the federal government, under President Tinubu, and the attorneys general of all 36 states to comply with this request.

SERAP argued that judges must be treated with dignity and independence, free from any perception of undue influence from the executive.

“Politicians should refrain from interfering in the judiciary and must respect and uphold its integrity and independence,” the statement read.

SERAP asserted that providing judges with cars and houses risks violating constitutional principles of separation of powers, checks and balances, and the rule of law, and may create an impression that the judiciary is answerable to the executive.

The organization urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to challenge the legality of such practices in court.

“The Nigerian Constitution and international standards clearly outline that the judiciary is neither subordinate to the executive nor the legislature,” SERAP noted.

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

SERAP emphasized that the federal government has both constitutional and international obligations to foster public confidence in the judiciary and protect the rule of law.