PDP crisis: NJC must protect judiciary’s independence - Bode George

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has called on Nigeria's National Judicial Council (NJC) to safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary. His plea comes in response to a recent court judgment concerning the PDP's internal leadership dispute, which he believes has cast doubt on public trust in the justice system.

George detailed his concerns in an open letter to the NJC Chairman, highlighting a specific lawsuit filed by the PDP Board of Trustees. The suit aimed to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to acknowledge the party's "authentic leadership" under Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) by updating its records, in compliance with existing Supreme Court and lower court rulings. Instead of addressing the core constitutional issues, George stated, the court dismissed the action and imposed substantial costs of N140 million on the Board of Trustees and N10 million on their counsel.

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I write as a concerned citizen, a democrat, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), compelled by recent developments that raise serious questions about public confidence in the administration of justice and the role of the courts in safeguarding constitutional democracy.

"The matter before the Court was far from frivolous," George wrote, emphasizing that the issues transcended PDP's internal affairs and touched upon "broader principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law." He also criticized the Nyesom Wike-led faction's "illogical" expulsion of senior party members. George reminded the NJC of its constitutional duty to uphold judicial independence and discipline, urging action when judicial decisions generate significant public concern.

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The matter before the Court was far from frivolous. It arose from an action instituted by the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples D