Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s recent reconstitution of the management board of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, saying it breached the judgment of a competent court of law.

Addressing a press conference, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, who spoke on behalf of HURIWA and a coalition of 10 non-governmental bodies, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said it was illegal for the President to have made the announcement since the Federal Government had appealed a Federal High Court’s judgment.

HURIWA said: “The rule of law is the cornerstone of any democratic society, and its principles must be upheld at all times. The recent appointments announced by President Tinubu raised serious concerns about the commitment of Federal Government to abide by the rule of law, especially when there is ongoing litigation related to the NNPC board.

“Firstly, we acknowledge the president’s authority to make appointments under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. However, the timing of these appointments, amidst a legal dispute over the removal of Senator Ararume, is not only questionable but also constitutes a clear affront to the rule of law.

“In the case of Ifeanyi Ararume vs. President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared Ararume’s removal as the non-executive chairman of NNPC as wrongful and ordered his reinstatement. The court also awarded damages of N5 billion in favour of Senator Ararume. This decision is binding until set aside by a competent court.”