The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has called on the judiciary to address defamatory attacks spreading through social media.
CASER’s Executive Director, Frank Tietie, sent a letter to Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, urging action.
The letter highlighted growing concerns about false allegations used to discredit judges and court rulings.
CASER warned that misinformation against the judiciary could erode public trust and threaten national stability. The group stressed the need for swift intervention.
The letter referenced recent claims by Jackson Ude of Point Blank News, accusing judges of being blackmailed in a case involving General Hydrocarbons Ltd. CASER dismissed these allegations as baseless.
Tietie stated that some litigants hire social media influencers to discredit the judiciary when rulings do not favor them. He warned that such attacks weaken public confidence in the legal system.
“If this trend continues, the judiciary may lose credibility, leading to chaos and the breakdown of public order,” CASER stated.
The advocacy group expressed concern over the judiciary’s silence, stating that ignoring defamatory content only empowers those seeking to undermine the legal system.
CASER urged Justice Tsoho to take a firm stand against misinformation. He emphasised that those behind the attacks must face investigation and prosecution.
The letter called for efforts to restore the judiciary’s integrity. He warned that continued defamation could destabilise Nigeria’s governance.
The judiciary remains essential to Nigeria’s survival, CASER stressed, adding that all stakeholders must resist attempts to weaken its authority.
