NBA urges FG to comply with Supreme Court’s naira ruling

The National Bar Association has criticized the Federal Government’s position on the Naira redesign policy. The association, in a statement signed by its President, Yakubu Maikyau, is demanding that the government complies with the judgment of the Supreme Court in suit no: SC/CV/162/2023 delivered on March 3, 2023.

According to the NBA, it engaged in broad consultations with critical stakeholders in the country in order to assess the possible impact of the policy on the economy and the people of Nigeria. However, the CBN’s cash swap program, which took effect on January 23, 2023, has not addressed the concerns of Nigerians post-31 January 2023.

The NBA further revealed that the Federal Government and its agency, the CBN, remain adamant about the plight of Nigerians, despite several interventions for review thereof to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians. The Supreme Court had condemned the actions of the President as contemptuous of the Court and held that the actions constitute a threat to the Rule of Law and the existence of Nigeria’s democracy.

The NBA commended the judgment of the apex court in this matter and stated that the Supreme Court has by this judgment proven to be the Supreme Court of the people of Nigeria. The Supreme Court has issued directives to the Federal Government for the benefit of the people, and there is no option other than to comply. The President is under constitutional obligation to comply and enforce the decision of the Supreme Court.

The NBA quoted Section 287 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which stated that the decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by Court with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.

The NBA further explained that Nigerians may not be too enchanted with the Judiciary, arising from unsubstantiated and spurious allegations of judicial misconduct. However, the Judiciary must be looked upon as the only and final resort to protect the rights of the people and secure probity in public life. The Supreme Court has spoken for the people of Nigeria and has appropriately issued orders to the Executive, which must be complied with.

The NBA urged the President to immediately direct compliance with the terms of the orders made by the Supreme Court in its judgment delivered on March 3, 2023. The NBA pledged its commitment to the promotion, entrenchment, and respect for the Rule of Law, integrity of the Court, and the independence of the judiciary. The NBA shall stand up against any action that seeks to undermine the Rule of Law, the integrity of the Court, and the independence of the judiciary.