Without equivocation, the ridiculous promise by President Bola Tinubu not to abuse the executive-judiciary relationship is disingenuous and a farce, and should be taken with a pinch of salt. Tinubu’s pledge rings hollow, because his storied history of undermining democracy, manipulating the legal system, and abusing state power to crush dissent is well-documented. To believe he would suddenly change course and respect the independence of the judiciary is to ignore the reality of his political career. The Nigerian judiciary is already under siege, and Tinubu’s actions as president will likely only exacerbate this crisis. His pledge is not a commitment to democracy, but a thinly veiled attempt to maintain power by any means necessary. The international community, civil society, and the Nigerian people must remain vigilant and hold Tinubu accountable for his actions. Democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria are at stake, and empty promises will not be enough to safeguard them.
Speaking while administering the oath of office on Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the State House, Abuja, last Monday, the president described the judiciary as a crucial pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. He stressed that his administration will preserve the sanctity of the judiciary, recognizing the importance of its independence, even as he pledged to respect the clear line demarcating the executive and judiciary. His words: “The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check. Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged. For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary. While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will…never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy.”
In any functioning democracy, the judiciary serves as a check on executive power. It is meant to be an impartial arbiter of justice, ensuring that those in power are held accountable to the law. However,
Tinubu’s relationship with the judiciary has been anything but respectful. Throughout his political career, he has repeatedly shown a willingness to bend the legal system to his will. Judges have been pressured, cases delayed or dismissed, and opponents silenced through legal maneuvering. This is not the behavior of a leader committed to the rule of law – it is the conduct of an autocrat determined to consolidate power. Therefore, Tinubu’s pledge not to abuse the executive-judiciary relationship is deeply disingenuous. His track record suggests that he views the judiciary not as an independent institution, but as a tool to further his political ambitions. The legal challenges to Tinubu’s 2023 election victory were a prime example of the judiciary being under siege; judges were threatened, intimidated, or bribed to deliver favorable rulings. This is the real state of the executive-judiciary relationship under Tinubu’s presidency – one of coercion, manipulation, and subversion.
In a democracy, the relationship between the executive and judiciary is sacrosanct. The separation of powers is not merely a formality; it is a foundational principle that ensures governance is rooted in justice, accountability, and the rule of law. When the President makes a grand pledge not to abuse the executive-judiciary relationship, he needs to be reminded of the irony behind his words; and the stark contradictions between his rhetoric and his behavior. His actions to date reveal a pattern of disdain for democracy, contempt for the rule of law, and a willingness to manipulate judicial institutions for personal gain.
From his early days as a political leader in Lagos to his ascension to the presidency, Tinubu has built a reputation for autocratic tendencies, political manipulation, and a profound disregard for democratic norms. His rise to power has been marked by an intricate web of corruption, patronage, and backdoor deals that have eroded trust in the political process. The very foundation of his political success has rested not on the will of the people, but on the exploitation of Nigeria’s weak democratic institutions.
Tinubu’s history of undermining democracy casts serious doubt on his recent pledge to respect the independence of the judiciary. As governor of Lagos State, Tinubu was notorious for abusing state power to intimidate and harass political opponents and subvert the rule of law. His administration was riddled with corruption, and when faced with legal challenges, his response was to exert political influence over the courts to secure favorable rulings.
Tinubu’s political empire has always thrived on control, manipulation, and suppression of dissent. His reign as the Godfather of Lagos politics is a testament to his ability to stifle political competition through financial incentives or outright coercion. Tinubu’s 2023 presidential election victory, was marred by widespread allegations of voter suppression, manipulation, and fraud. There were widespread reports of vote-buying, ballot box snatching, violence, and disenfranchisement, particularly in regions where Tinubu faced strong opposition. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tasked with overseeing the election, was widely criticized for its lack of transparency and failure to address irregularities, and the credibility of the election was called into question. Despite these widespread irregularities, Tinubu was declared the winner of the election. His inauguration was a stark reminder that power in Nigeria is often secured not through the ballot box, but through manipulation and the erosion of democratic norms. This legacy of autocracy is antithetical to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. To expect that Tinubu, now president, would suddenly transform into a leader who respects the judiciary is both naïve and dangerous. This is why his pledge not to interfere with the judiciary is cynical and equally laughable.
Tinubu’s disdain for the rule of law poses a serious threat to the future of Nigerian democracy. His administration has already shown a streak of authoritarian madness, with crackdowns on free protests, restrictions on free speech, and attempts to silence political opposition. The judiciary, which should be a bulwark against these abuses of power, is instead being co-opted and weakened. Nigeria’s democracy is fragile, and will not survive if the institutions meant to uphold it are compromised. Tinubu’s pledge to respect the judiciary is nothing more than a cynical attempt to placate critics while continuing to undermine the very foundations of democratic governance. The Nigerian people deserve better than a leader who pays lip service to the rule of law while actively working to undermine and dismantle it.
In the end, President Tinubu’s words about respecting the judiciary amount to little more than hypocrisy that stinks to the high Heavens. His actions speak louder than his promises, and those actions have shown a clear and consistent disdain for the very principles he claims to uphold. If Nigeria’s democracy is to survive, it will not be because of leaders like Tinubu, but in spite of them. The fight for democracy, human rights, justice, transparency, and accountability must continue with or without Tinubu’s consent.
