Executive disobedience to court orders and anarchy in Nigeria

Abstract

Court orders have consistently been disobeyed in Nigeria. Without a doubt, this has led to widespread misuse and violation of human rights as well as an absence of faith in the independence of the judiciary. If this abnormality is not checked and put under control, Nigeria may descend into anarchy. This essay evaluated instances of executive disobedience to court orders, anarchy as a result of the disobedience of court orders, the legal system in Nigeria that empowers courts and governs disobedience to court orders, and the disobedience of court orders itself. The doctrinal approach of research was adopted in this work. It was discovered that the absence of independence of the judiciary, immunity, absence of strong enforcement mechanisms, corruption, and partisan politics among others are factors impeding the enforcement of court orders in Nigeria. To curb these challenges, there is a need for total independence of the judiciary, a strong enforcement mechanism, stiffer punishments, amendment of immunity clause, and activism by the bar, bench, and human rights organisations.