The Federal Government’s position regarding its naira redesign policy has been criticized by the National Bar Association.
In the statement that was signed by its president, Yakubu Maikyau, the association is requesting that the Supreme Court’s decision in case no. On March 3, SC/CV/162/2023 was delivered.
The NBA made it clear that following the naira redesign policy, it held extensive discussions with key Nigerian stakeholders to determine how the policy might affect the country’s economy and people.
According to the group of lawyers, the CBN’s cash swap program, which went into effect on January 23, 2023, has not addressed the concerns of Nigerians after January 31, 2023.
“It is sad and disheartening that the Federal Government and its agency, the CBN, will remain so adamant about the plight of Nigerians as a direct consequence of the implementation of the Naira Redesign Policy, in spite of several interventions for review thereof in order to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians, leading to the damning remarks and orders by the Supreme Court as quoted above,” was one of the parts of the letter that were included. The rest of the letter read as follows:
“Unfortunately, not even the reasonable discoveries by the High Court with regards to the unjustifiable and misleading nature of the strategy could cause the Central Government to remember its means. The President’s actions were not only condemned by the Supreme Court as disrespectful of the Court, but also held to be a threat to the rule of law and the existence of our democracy.
“I commend the Supreme Court’s decision in this matter because it not only addressed the Court’s responsibility to the people but also its bounden duty to safeguard the Rule of Law and the Court’s integrity. By this decision, the Supreme Court has demonstrated that it is the Nigerian people’s Supreme Court.
“The legal profession, particularly the judiciary, must rise to the occasion whenever public confidence in the other arms of government begins to wane by delivering justice with such courage and precision to provide assistance to the people. In this case, the Supreme Court has acted so boldly and courageously.
Related News Governors give Malami and Emefiele an ultimatum to obey the Supreme Court on Tuesday. “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.” Customers reject deposit conditions. The Constitution mandates that the President adhere to and implement the Supreme Court’s decision.
According to the NBA, “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 cited Section 287 (1) of the 1999 (as amended) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The statement went on to say that, as a result of spurious and unsubstantiated allegations of judicial misconduct, Nigerians might not be very happy with the judiciary.
“However, the fact remains that we must still look to the Judiciary as our sole and final recourse in order to safeguard public integrity and safeguard our rights as a people. The people of this nation have spoken for the Supreme Court, which has given the Executive the right orders, and those orders must be followed.
“It expressed that the nation might under any appearance or affectation at any point acknowledge or endure any appearance of despotism or tyranny taking note of that “our arrangement of popularity based administration has come to remain, it should not exclusively be regarded by one and all yet should likewise be enviously monitored and secured.
“The Executive cannot afford to disregard the orders of the Supreme Court made for the benefit of the people who elected it to power because this is the greatest test or challenge to our constitutional democracy.”
Following that, the NBA pledged its commitment to the promotion, enshrinement, and respect for the Rule of Law, the Court’s integrity, and the independence of the judiciary and 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 shall oppose any attempt to undermine the Rule of Law, the Court’s integrity, and the judiciary’s independence.”