Famous human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has been refuted by the Federal Capital Territory Minister (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who had accused him of falsely stating the Supreme Court’s ruling on Rivers State lawmakers.
In a detailed statement issued on Sunday, Falana, titled “I did not target the Supreme Court of Nigeria”, condemned Wick’s allegations as “There are falsehoods and tendencies in every particular material,” asserted that they were trying to provoke the Supreme Court against him.
The controversy began at a press conference in Abuja, accusing Farana of misunderstanding the Supreme Court’s recent decision on 27 legislators who have gone from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) To all Progress Conferences (APCs). Wick once said: “If Femi Falana’s ability can lie on national television, it would be very serious. Lies can cause many crises. ”
Farana responded quickly, clarifying that his statements were based on facts in the case and were consistent with the judiciary’s own statement.
“What I’m saying is that the defection of 27 legislators has been raised and determined by the outstanding judge of Apex Court,” he explained.
He added that his remarks were based on the fact that the defector issue was heard at the then-High Court of Justice Department.
Falana also reminded the public that the lawmakers involved acknowledged defection from PDP to APC in video recordings and affidavits.
He questioned why Wick was so excited, noting that the former governor had previously praised the Supreme Court’s ruling and even held a Thanksgiving service to celebrate the decision. However, Vic later attacked Farana and commented on the same ruling without any legal defense.
To defend his constitutional right to criticize judicial rulings, Falana referred to Article 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the Charter for Human and People’s Rights, both of which protected freedom of expression, including the right to comment on court rulings.
Farana further challenged Vick’s understanding of judicial etiquette and pointed out that the role of lawyers is to strengthen democracy, even if it involves criticizing judicial decisions.
“Only corrupt lawyers win all cases in all courtsFalana said, then added that he initially ignored Wick’s comments because, as he said,Mr. Vick is the only lifeguard in Nigeria who has never handled a case in any trial or appeal court. ”
Farana stressed that he has been criticizing the court’s verdict “The greatest etiquette and sincerity“And quoted the famous statement of former Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa:We are not ultimately because we are incorrect. Instead, we are incorrect because we are ultimate. ” He also mentioned former Chief Justice of Nigeria Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who told the lawyer:It is your responsibility to bring us attention to the edge of something wrong or error. ”
Falana dismissed Wike’s recent call to lawyers who criticized the judicial ruling, suggesting that if Vic believes there is any misconduct, he should file a formal petition to the Discipline Committee of Law Practitioners rather than make unfounded allegations.
Regarding the essence of the defector issue, Farana expressed concern about the Supreme Court’s ruling, which he said could set dangerous precedents for political defection without consequences.
He warned that “unpatriotic politicians” could use this decision to justify political opportunism.
Falana urged the Supreme Court to continue to rely on early precedents such as Federal Lawyer v. Atiku Abubakar (2007), Dapialong v. Dariye (2007) and Abegunde v. Ondo State House Boussmbly (2015) (2015), which ruled out lawmakers who automatically departed from their seats, which ruled their seats.
Falana urges Vic not to be allowed to serve “Unsolicited defense counsel of the Nigerian judiciaryCalling for an end to Wike’s attempt to use himself as a self-appointed guardian of the judicial system.
