Defend the Judiciary against fake news, misinformation— CASER

The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) wants the judiciary to strengthen efforts to safeguard its integrity and rebuild public confidence.

The group expressed concerns over rising attacks on the judiciary and warned that false accusations and misinformation could erode trust and threaten national stability.

In a statement on Thursday, Frank Tietie, CASER’s Executive Director, referenced a recent report by an online media outlet Sahara Reporters, in which Jackson Ude of Point Blank News made unverified claims that the Chief Judge and other Federal High Court judges were being blackmailed in a case involving one firm General Hydrocarbons Ltd.

Mr Tietie also condemned the growing trend where litigants hire social media influencers to discredit judges when court rulings do not favour them.

He warned that if left unchecked, such actions could erode public trust in the judiciary, potentially leading to anarchy and a breakdown of public order.

“We at CASER are further troubled by the judiciary’s silence in the face of these unfounded attacks on its integrity. This silence, stemming from its conservative leanings, allows these criminal elements to use the judiciary as a scapegoat to intimidate and harass many judicial officers, both men and women, who continue to uphold the tenets of justice, including impartiality, independence, and integrity,’’ the statement read.

Mr Tietie added that those behind these smear campaigns, whether within or outside the country, should be investigated and held accountable.

‘’The judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining and preserving order for the present and future survival of Nigeria, with no acceptable alternative. Thus, all men and women of goodwill must resist and combat any attempts to undermine it,’’ he added.