Naira Redesign: Buhari’s Disobedience of Court Order a Demonstration of Autocracy, Supreme Court Say

According to Punchng. The recent Supreme Court’s statement on President Buhari’s decision to redesign the Naira, despite a court order prohibiting such an action, is a significant demonstration of autocracy in Nigeria’s governance.

According to the Supreme Court, President Muhammadu Buhari’s disregard of the order to halt the implementation of the deadline on old naira notes, demonstrates autocratic tendencies.

The court made this ruling on Friday in response to a lawsuit filed by three states, stating that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy was illegal, as it contravened relevant laws…..Continue Reading

The federal government, however, argued in its preliminary objection that the matter did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and that the lawsuit should have been filed before a Federal High Court.

ISSUE OF JURISDICTION

Delivering a unanimous judgment, the seven-member panel held that the apex court has the jurisdiction to hear the suit.

The court held that the suit is a dispute between the federating units and the federation.

The apex court further invalidated the argument of the defendants that queried the none joinder of the CBN as a party in the suit.

The court held that there was no need to join the CBN in the suit since the apex bank got its directive from the president.

“The CBN has no power to introduce new notes into the system without a directive of the president,” the court held.

The court cited the portion of President Buhari’s speech wherein he admitted to issuing the directive.

“A suit of this manner can only be entertained by the supreme court,” the court held.

“All the preliminary objections lack merit and are hereby dismissed.”

‘BUHARI FAILED TO CONSULT STAKEHOLDERS’

The supreme court justices agreed with the plaintiffs that the president failed to consult with relevant stakeholders before passing his directive to the CBN.

The court held that the president ought to have consulted before “exercising his executive powers of such magnitude”.

It is obvious that the president did not consult with the council of states, the national economic council and other stakeholders including the national security council,” the court held.

“The duty is implicit in Section 5 of the Constitution that makes the president an agent of the federation.”

‘INADEQUATE NOTICE’

The apex court also agreed that the federal government failed to give adequate notice for the implementation of the new policy.

“There is nothing to show any formal public notice issued to states,” the court held.

“The notice was given by way of press remarks. It is this press remarks the defendants relied on to say that they gave sufficient notice.”

The court said a mere press statement “cannot qualify as a notice under 20(3) of the CBN Act”.

I agree that the first defendant ought not to be heard when the president has refused to obey the authority of this court.

“Disobedience of order of court shows the country’s democracy a mere pretension and now replaced by autocracy. This suit is meritorious.”

Consequently, the court granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.

The court also ordered that the old currency should remain legal tender until December 31, 2023.

The rule of law is a fundamental principle that underpins the functioning of any democratic society.

Therefore, any action by a government or its officials that undermines the rule of law is a threat to democracy and good governance.

In this case, the Supreme Court’s statement highlights the importance of respecting court orders and the implications of failing to do so.

President Buhari’s decision to redesign the Naira, despite a court order prohibiting such an action, is a clear demonstration of his disregard for the rule of law.

The Supreme Court’s statement underscores the need for elected officials to adhere to the constitution and the laws of the land, which includes respecting court orders and judgments.

The redesign of the Naira is not a tril matter, and any action taken must be within the purview of the law.

The Supreme Court’s statement is a call to action for elected officials to uphold the rule of law, which is essential for building a strong and prosperous democracy.

The Supreme Court’s statement is a welcome development that emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting court orders.

It is a warning to all elected officials that they must act within the confines of the law and the constitution.

Ultimately, the rule of law is critical for the continued growth and development of Nigeria, and elected officials must ensure that it is upheld at all times.