Group stages peaceful protest, demands protection of judiciary, rule of law
Northern stakeholders, under the aegis of the Northern Nigerians Concern Stakeholders, on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, calling for the protection of the judiciary and strict adherence to
Northern stakeholders, under the aegis of the Northern Nigerians Concern Stakeholders, on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, calling for the protection of the judiciary and strict adherence to the rule of law in Nigeria.
The protesters assembled at the Unity Fountain before proceeding to the Federal High Court, where they expressed concerns over what they described as growing threats to judicial independence and democratic governance.
Addressing journalists during the demonstration, the group’s Convener, Banki Shariff, said the protest was aimed at drawing national attention to the need to safeguard constitutional order and prevent undue interference in the judiciary.
Shariff said, “We stand today at the steps of the Federal High Court, a symbol of justice and constitutional order, to sound a clear, urgent, and uncompromising alarm. This is a peaceful protest, but let there be no mistake: the issues before this nation are grave and history will not be kind to silence or complicity.
“Courts must never be reduced to instruments of political engineering. The moment justice is manipulated, the nation itself is placed on trial.”
He stressed that the group’s message was directed at all constitutional actors, insisting that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depended on respect for the rule of law rather than political convenience.
He also warned against attempts to weaken opposition voices, noting that democracy thrives on competition and dissent.
Shariff added, “Democracy cannot function under intimidation, coercion, or calculated manipulation. Civic space, dissent, and lawful opposition are not inconveniences are the lifeblood of any functioning republic.
“A government that seeks to weaken opposition betrays a lack of confidence in its own legitimacy. Democracy thrives on competition. Suppressing it is not strength, it is fear. The emerging pattern of actions points unmistakably toward a dangerous drift into authoritarianism.
“If the courts lend legitimacy to such actions without strict adherence to due process and substantive justice, it will be seen as judicial endorsement of political exclusion. That path is dangerous, it risks disenfranchisement, deepens division, and could trigger widespread unrest.”
He further urged the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to remain neutral and uphold the rule of law, cautioning against its alleged use for political purposes.
Shariff also warned the judiciary against relying on technicalities or administrative actions that could weaken or delist political parties, particularly those with strong support in Northern Nigeria.
He maintained that any perception of judicial bias could undermine public trust and trigger instability.
Shariff added, “Where the judiciary is perceived as an extension of the executive, citizens inevitably lose faith in lawful remedies. When courts fail, the streets become the courtroom.
“We are closely monitoring every action of this administration and every pronouncement of the courts. We will continue to defend democracy through lawful, peaceful, and constitutional means.”
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to advocating for the protection of judicial independence, the Constitution, and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
