The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has raised a serious alarm over what it describes as the persistent and deliberate refusal of government institutions to obey court judgments. The organization stated that this trend, particularly concerning rulings secured in the public interest, poses a direct threat to Nigeria's democratic foundations and the rule of law.
A Direct Challenge to Judicial Authority
Kola Wole Oluwadare, SERAP's Deputy Director, emphasized that disobeying a court order is not a minor infraction. He explained that such acts fall under Contempt of Court, a serious offence punishable by fines, asset seizure, or even imprisonment. In essence, when the government ignores a valid judgment, it is mounting a direct challenge to the authority of the judiciary and the legal framework that holds society together.
Oluwadare pointed out a troubling disparity in how judgments are treated. He questioned why political or personally advantageous rulings are often enforced with speed, while those that deliver broader public benefits are routinely ignored. "This is a sad development for our democracy," he stated, adding that the government has no legitimate excuse for such disobedience.
Dangerous Precedent and Legal Advocacy
The SERAP official issued a stark warning about the consequences of prolonged government defiance. He argued that when the state itself consistently flouts court orders, it sets a dangerous precedent that can encourage ordinary citizens to disregard the law. This, he cautioned, ultimately threatens national order and stability.
"After having its day in court, a responsible administration should obey valid judgments unless they are set aside by a competent appellate court. Two wrongs don't make a right," Oluwadare asserted. He reaffirmed SERAP's commitment to using all lawful means to compel compliance. These methods include initiating fresh court actions, pursuing administrative steps, and engaging with critical stakeholders.
Launching the South-South Volunteer Lawyers Network
Oluwadare made these statements over the weekend in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of a new South-South Volunteer Lawyers Network. This initiative is designed to strengthen public-interest litigation and intensify the national fight for transparency, accountability, and social justice.
The network will serve as a platform to identify pressing human-rights and governance issues. Volunteer lawyers will then assess these cases and take them up as part of SERAP's broader legal advocacy. Despite acknowledging the challenges within the judiciary, Oluwadare expressed SERAP's unwavering confidence in the institution, noting that public-interest litigation remains its most potent tool for holding the government accountable.
The most encouraging outcome of the Port Harcourt engagement, according to Oluwadare, was the demonstrated willingness of legal practitioners to support this cause. He noted that many lawyers now grasp the value of "strategic indignation towards legal advocacy" and are ready to volunteer their expertise to advance social justice and uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.
