Legal expert Godspower Egbule has emphasised the role of the police in enforcing judicial decisions and upholding law and order, describing them as a ‘critical’ arm of the executive government.
He was speaking on Nigeria Info’s Morning Crossfire during a conversation about the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State Assembly’s plan to seek police help in enforcing its legitimacy.
Barr. Egbule said the police, as an agency of the executive arm of government, are empowered to execute judgments, and “make sure parties, irrespective of their position, maintain law and order and also obey and observe the decisions of court.”
He also addressed what he calls a ‘misrepresentation’ that only Supreme Court rulings carry binding authority. Citing Section 287 of the Nigerian Constitution, he explained that judgments from the Court of Appeal are also “binding on all authorities and persons,” regardless of ongoing appeals to the Supreme Court.
“There is a misrepresentation that people have, that it is only when the Supreme Court gives a decision that it finalises an issue,” he said.
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