By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Ubani, has raised the alarm on a disturbing trend of misinterpreting Supreme Court judgments in Nigeria.
He warns that this trend threatens the country’s legal system and democratic stability, especially in politically charged cases.
Dr. Ubani states several high-profile cases where parties have manipulated Supreme Court pronouncements to suit personal or political agendas. For instance, in the Rivers State political crisis involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, conflicting interpretations of the Supreme Court’s ruling have created confusion and deepened political conflicts. Also, in the leadership dispute between Mr. Samuel Anyanwu and Mr. Okorie Okoye within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), both factions claimed victory after the court’s pronouncement, fueling internal strife. In the Labour Party, factions continue to contest the legitimacy and tenure of the party chairman despite a clear ruling by the apex court.
Dr. Ubani emphasizes that this trend undermines the Supreme Court’s finality, promotes endless conflict, and erodes public confidence in the judiciary. He notes that treating final decisions as mere opinions rather than binding mandates weakens the judiciary’s authority and integrity.
To address this issue, Dr. Ubani proposes that The Supreme Court should issue clearer and more explicit judgments, including detailed consequential orders to eliminate room for mischief, Legal practitioners should uphold ethical standards by advising clients truthfully, rather than spinning judgments for partisan advantage. Also, active enforcement of contempt proceedings against parties who deliberately misinterpret or defy court rulings.
Dr. Ubani concludes by emphasizing the judiciary’s importance in sustaining democracy. He calls on lawyers, litigants, political actors, and the media to respect and uphold the authority of the Supreme Court to maintain peace, order, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
