The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ruled that former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Pauline Tallen, must issue a public apology for disrespecting the court or face a permanent ban from holding public office. Justice U.P. Kekemeke delivered the verdict, citing Tallen’s criticism of a Federal High Court decision in 2022, which led to a clash with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Tallen’s disparaging comments prompted legal action from the NBA, resulting in an originating summons against her. The court’s decision, delivered on December 18, 2023, declared Tallen’s statement unconstitutional, careless, reckless, disparaging, and contemptuous of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
According to a statement from NBA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, Tallen’s failure to respond to a letter from NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), demanding withdrawal of the comments and a public apology triggered the legal action. The court granted several reliefs, including an injunction restraining Tallen from holding any public office unless she publishes a personally signed apology letter to Nigerians and the judiciary.
The court further ordered that the injunction would become perpetual if Tallen fails to abide by the directive to publish the apology letter within 30 days. This decision underscores the court’s determination to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and hold individuals accountable for actions that undermine the court’s authority.
The NBA expressed its commitment to defending the judiciary’s integrity and holding accountable those who denigrate it. The association also pledged to monitor judicial officers, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the judicial code of conduct. The NBA President thanked the legal team that prosecuted the case, recognizing their efforts in upholding the principles of justice.
