By Chimezie Godfrey
No fewer than 52 civil society organisations have expressed concern over the controversy surrounding the defamation judgment reportedly secured by officials of the Department of State Services against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.
The organisations warned that the development could negatively affect judicial transparency, freedom of expression and civic engagement in Nigeria.
In a joint statement, the groups questioned reports that public reactions and commentaries on the judgment emerged before the Certified True Copy and full text of the decision became publicly available.
According to the coalition, the situation raises concerns about procedural fairness, due process and transparency within the justice system.
The groups cited Section 36(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair hearing, arguing that access to judgments forms part of constitutional safeguards.
They also referenced Sections 39(1) and 22 of the Constitution dealing with freedom of expression and the democratic responsibility of the media and civic actors.
The coalition further cited Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The organisations argued that delays in releasing the Certified True Copy of judgments in matters of public importance could undermine confidence in the judiciary and restrict meaningful access to appellate review.
“Without access to the judgment, litigants may be unable to properly evaluate their legal position, pursue informed appellate review, or respond responsibly in the public domain,” the statement read.
The coalition also warned against the use of defamation litigation and coercive legal processes to intimidate anti-corruption advocates and civic actors.
According to the organisations, democratic societies depend on the ability of civil society groups to question public institutions and engage in robust public-interest advocacy.
The groups maintained that seeking appellate review of a judgment should not be interpreted as contempt for the judiciary or disregard for the rule of law.
Among other demands, the organisations called for the immediate release of the Certified True Copy of the judgment, protection of civic space and respect for constitutional and international human rights standards.
Signatories to the statement included ActionAid Nigeria, Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development, Yiaga Africa, Media Rights Agenda, and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), among others.
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