Group to New SDP: Stop Criminal, Contemptuous Attack on Judiciary

The Kaduna Justice and Accountability Assembly has taken a swipe at what it called “the so-called” New Social Democratic Party (New SDP) over what it described as a “criminal, contemptuous and reckless” attack on a judge of the Kaduna State High Court following a recent interim order given by the court pending hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, the group condemned the New SDP’s press release faulting the court’s interim order, accusing the party of launching a personal attack on the presiding judge rather than pursuing a lawful and proper due process of law.

“This shameful outburst reeks of contempt of court and naked desperation,” the group declared. “What stopped them from hiring a competent legal practitioner to challenge the ruling through due process if they truly believe they have a valid legal response?”

The Assembly, known for its advocacy on judicial independence and institutional accountability, said the New SDP’s action was not only a direct affront to the judiciary but also a dangerous attempt to whip up public sentiment against the rule of law.

“Dragging the person of a judge through the mud because a court’s interim order which both parties have an opportunity to be heard on whether the court will grant proper injunction pending hearing the main suit or not is not just irresponsible—it is criminal. This is not activism; it is impunity,” the statement added.

The group further warned political actors and interest groups to desist from undermining the courts through press warfare and advised the so-called New SDP to channel its grievances legally if it has any confidence in its position.

“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man. If every litigant resorts to attacking judges after just an interim order in a case, Nigeria would become ungovernable,” the group said, while calling on relevant authorities to initiate contempt proceedings where necessary to safeguard the integrity of the courts.

The Kaduna Justice and Accountability Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and called on the New SDP to retract its offensive remarks and respect the sanctity of the judicial process.