The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has urged the Federal Government to obey Supreme court’s ruling on the naira redesign policy.
The NBA in a statement released and signed by its president, Yakubu Maikyau, is demanding FG to comply with the apex court’s judgment delivered on March 3rd, where in it extended the time limit for the old naira notes to 31st December 2023.
In it’s statement the association disclosed that it has consulted with critical stakeholders in the country with a view to assess the possible impact of the naira redesign policy on the economy and Nigerians.
The association thus condemned the FG claiming that the CBN’s cash swap program which started on 23rd January 2023 has not served Nigerians after the earlier stipulated deadline, 31st January 2023.
The letter read in part,
“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.”
“Regrettably, not even the clear findings by the Supreme Court as to the unfair and deceptive nature of the policy could make the Federal Government retrace its steps. The Supreme Court went to the extent of not only condemning the actions of the President as contemptuous of the Court but also held that the actions constitute a threat to the Rule of Law and the existence of our democracy.”
“I commend the judgment of the apex court in this matter as it not only spoke to the responsibility of the Court to the people but also its bounden duty to protect the Rule of Law and the integrity of the Court. The Supreme Court has by this judgment proven to be the Supreme Court of the people of Nigeria.”
“Whenever public confidence in the other arms of government begins to wane, the legal profession, in particular the judiciary, must rise to the occasion by delivering justice with such courage and precision to provide succour to the people. This is what the Supreme Court has done so boldly and courageously in this instance.”
“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. The President is under constitutional obligation to comply and enforce the decision of the Supreme Court.”
“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 fact, however, remains that we still must look to the Judiciary as the only and final resort, to protect our rights as a people and secure probity in public life. The Supreme Court has spoken for the people of this nation and has appropriately issued ORDERS to the Executive and the orders of the Court must be complied with.”
“It stated that the country cannot under any guise or pretence accept or tolerate any appearance of autocracy or dictatorship noting that “our system of democratic governance has come to stay, it must not only be respected by all and sundry but must also be jealously guarded and protected.
“This is the greatest test or challenge to our constitutional democracy and the Executive cannot afford to disregard the orders of the Supreme Court made for the benefit of the people that elected it to power.”
“The NBA shall stand up against any action that seeks to undermine the Rule of Law, the integrity of the Court and the independence of the judiciary.”
