The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has condemned the baseless attacks on the judiciary’s reputation by unscrupulous litigants who use social media influencers to discredit unfavorable court decisions.
According to CASER, if left unchecked, the trend may erode public trust in the judiciary, potentially plunging the nation into anarchy and chaos.
The group’s Lead Advocate and Executive Director, Mr. Frank Tietie, said this in a letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, which was made available to Persecondnews on Thursday in Abuja.
The letter is titled: “Silence Is No Longer Golden: The Need To Take Exception To Denigrating Statements And Unfounded Allegations Against The Nigerian Judiciary By Investigating And Prosecuting Perpetrators Of Fake News And Misinformation”.
Tietie expressed growing concern about the presence of subversive elements within and outside Nigeria, which aim to destabilize the Federal Republic of Nigeria by discrediting the judiciary’s public image.
The letter reads: “A recent incident involving Sahara Reporters reported that Jackson Ude of Point Blank News made unfounded accusations against the Chief Judge and other judges of the Federal High Court, claiming they were being blackmailed in the case against General Hydrocarbons Ltd.
“It has become common for unscrupulous litigants to hire social media influencers to attack the reputation of the judiciary, including its judges, without any evidence—especially when court decisions don’t favor them.
“If this trend is not addressed, it may erode public trust in the judiciary, potentially leading to anarchy and a breakdown of public order.
“Such a situation would render the legal system ineffective as the primary means for resolving disputes and conflicts.
“We at CASER are further troubled by the judiciary’s silence in the face of these unfounded attacks on its integrity.
“This silence, stemming from its conservative leanings, allows these criminal elements to use the judiciary as a scapegoat to intimidate and harass many judicial officers, both men and women, who continue to uphold the tenets of justice, including impartiality, independence, and integrity.”
CASER urged Justice Tsoho to take immediate action and not turn a blind eye to the matter.
The letter also stated: “It should serve as a reminder of how seriously unacceptable such unfounded accusations against the judiciary are.
“Those responsible for perpetrating these attacks, whether inside or outside Nigeria, must be investigated and prosecuted.
“Efforts must be made to restore the public image of the judiciary, which has been unfairly tarnished by these individuals who abuse social media.
The judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining and preserving order for the present and future survival of Nigeria, with no acceptable alternative.
“Thus, all men and women of goodwill must resist and combat any attempts to undermine it.”
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