In an interview with Vanguard’s Law & Human Rights, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, a respected law educator and former EFCC prosecutor, discusses the judiciary’s worsening negative perception and suggests strategies for improvement. He also comments on calls to withdraw a controversial tax reform bill, recent stampedes across the country, and state governors’ efforts to undermine local government autonomy.
Regarding the suspension of 18 local government chairmen in Edo State by the governor for failing to submit financial statements, Shittu raises significant legal concerns. He notes that this decision conflicts with Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees local government autonomy and their democratic election, as outlined in Section 7(1) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has reinforced local government independence in prior rulings, establishing that state governments cannot arbitrarily interfere in their affairs.
Shittu argues that the power to suspend local government officials must adhere to legal frameworks, typically involving the local government legislative council, not unilateral decisions by the governor. He asserts that while financial accountability is important, the governor’s actions lack constitutional backing and undermine democratic principles, risking an infringement on the separation of powers.
At an event in Abuja, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) cautioned state governments against passing laws that undermine the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, particularly in relation to local government finances. This warning is crucial for protecting the independence of local governments as outlined in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution. The AGF’s comments align with the Supreme Court’s repeated affirmations that local governments must operate free from undue state interference to effectively promote grassroots development.
By addressing the ongoing attempts by some states to bypass these legal protections through questionable legislation, the AGF is showing a strong commitment to maintaining Nigeria’s federal framework and ensuring local governments remain autonomous. He emphasized the need for the Federal Government to rigorously enforce Supreme Court rulings regarding local government autonomy, preventing state legislative actions from undermining those decisions. All stakeholders, including the judiciary, civil society, and citizens, must support efforts to uphold local government autonomy to strengthen democracy in Nigeria.
Additionally, former Senate leader Ali Ndume recently called for the withdrawal of the controversial tax reform bill to allow for more consultations. I support tax reforms but acknowledge that there are aspects of the bill that may need adjustments. It’s essential to consider public concerns, clarify the reform’s objectives, and ensure transparency about its implications.
The goal of a universal tax system is not to target specific groups or regions but to alleviate financial burdens for everyone. To achieve this, it’s important to simplify the concepts involved so that the benefits become clear. Tax professionals, such as Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, have been actively working to explain these reforms in accessible terms. By emphasizing awareness and dialogue, it can be shown that tax reform is advantageous for all citizens.
Tax policy is complex, and for reforms to be effective, it is crucial to simplify the narrative for the general public. While Mr. Oyedele’s efforts to clarify these concepts are commendable, more outreach is needed to engage those who may lack economic and tax literacy, helping to explain challenging topics like the phased VAT increase and tax code consolidation.
At the 2024 Annual Conference for Justices of the Appeal Court, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) expressed concern over the judiciary’s deteriorating public perception due to allegations of corruption, justice delays, inconsistent rulings, and a disconnect from societal expectations. Factors contributing to this perception include systemic neglect, a lack of transparency, and unethical behavior among some judicial officers.
To restore public trust, the judiciary must undertake internal reforms, tighten disciplinary processes for misconduct, enhance transparency through digitization of court procedures, and promote continuous legal education while fostering ethical standards. Collaborative efforts among the judiciary, civil society, and the public are crucial to reaffirming the judiciary’s role as the foundational element of justice in Nigeria.
Regarding recent stampedes in Abuja, Ibadan, and Anambra that led to the tragic deaths of children, these incidents reflect longstanding issues in event management and public crowd behavior. With over 12 major stampede incidents since 2013 resulting in around 200 deaths, the 2024 events have underscored the need for improved safety measures.
The Customs rice rush stampede resulted in seven deaths, while a tragic incident at a children’s funfair in Ibadan claimed 40 lives. Common causes across these tragedies include inadequate security, poor crowd control, and impatience among attendees. Event organizers must take responsibility for implementing effective crowd management strategies. For instance, the lack of protocols to control attendance at the Ibadan event and previous incidents, such as the Port Harcourt church stampede in 2022, highlighted the dangers of failing to regulate large gatherings properly.
Attendees also share some responsibility for stampedes, as a lack of patience and reluctance to queue orderly can escalate dangerous situations. Human behavior, particularly in high-pressure settings where essential goods or services are involved, significantly contributes to these tragedies. An example is the Nasarawa University palliative stampede in 2024, which resulted in three deaths due to a rush for relief materials, underscoring the dire social and economic conditions many Nigerians face.
To prevent such incidents in the future, it is crucial to improve event planning and security protocols, provide crowd control training for security personnel, and establish an effective emergency response system. Stampedes often stem from a combination of systemic failures and societal issues.
By holding event organizers accountable and promoting a culture of patience and cooperation among attendees, these tragic events can be greatly diminished. Recent incidents like the Ibadan funfair and the Nasarawa palliative stampede should serve as calls to action for both authorities and citizens to prioritize safety and order in communal activities.