Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has flayed President Bola Tinubu’s alleged decision to inaugurate the new Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) despite ongoing legal battle at the Court of Appeal.

HURIWA, in a statement, yesterday, criticised the President’s move, stating that inaugurating the board reflects a disregard for the rule of law and lack of respect for the judiciary.

The organisation argued that such action set a dangerous precedent and undermine justice and fairness in the country.

In  the statement, signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA highlighted the violation of a Federal High Court judgment that restrained the President from removing Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume as the Non-Executive Director of NNPC Ltd, emphasising  that the court’s decision remains valid and in effect.

Expressing shock at the President’s alleged disobedience of the court judgment, the group condemned the purported appointment and inauguration of a new Board and Management Team for NNPC Ltd instead of implementing the court’s ruling.

The organisation accused the President of overruling the courts and undermining the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, where the federal government has a pending appeal.

HURIWA called on Ararume to file a contempt application against the new board members, urging the court to take appropriate action to protect the sanctity of its proceedings.