Former Minister Barred from Public Office Following Contemptuous Comments on Court Decision

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has delivered a verdict barring former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Pauline Tallen, from holding public office. The decision came in response to Ms. Tallen’s disparaging remarks about a Federal High Court judgment in Adamawa State last year, nullifying the candidacy of Aishatu Dahiru, known as Binani, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate.

In a judgment issued on Monday, the court condemned Ms. Tallen’s comments, describing them as “unconstitutional, careless, reckless, disparaging.” The court emphasized that her call to reject the judgment was “contemptuous of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.”

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Yakubu Maikyau, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had previously demanded an apology from Ms. Tallen, threatening legal action. Despite the demand, Ms. Tallen remained unyielding, prompting the NBA to file a suit at the FCT High Court.

In its judgment, the court granted an injunction restraining Ms. Tallen from holding any public office unless she published a personally signed apology letter to Nigerians and the Judiciary in two national dailies within 30 days. The court specified that the injunction would become perpetual if she failed to abide by this order.

The background of the case involves the nullification of Binani’s APC governorship candidacy due to non-compliance with electoral guidelines. Ms. Tallen, a stalwart of the APC, criticized the judgment, claiming it represented the marginalization of women in Nigerian politics. The NBA sought an apology, which Ms. Tallen failed to provide, leading to the legal action culminating in this recent court decision.

The court’s ruling reflects a stance against contemptuous comments towards the judiciary, highlighting the consequences for public figures who undermine the legal system.