Ex-Minister Tallen Apologizes For “Kangaroo Judgment” Remark, Withdraws Appeal, Complies With Court Order In NBA Case
Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, OFR, KSG, has withdrawn her appeal against the judgment secured by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over her referring to a court judgment as a “Kangaroo Judgment.”
The controversial statement was made following the judgment in Suit No. FHC/YL/12/2022 between Mallam Nuhu Ribadu v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & 2 Ors, delivered on October 14, 2022.
On December 14, 2022, the Registered Trustee of NBA, via Originating Summons, prayed the court to declare Pauline Tallen unfit to hold public office, among other reliefs. In Suit No: CV/816/2016, an Abuja High Court ruled that Tallen’s statement was unconstitutional, careless, reckless, disparaging, and contemptuous of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The court granted an injunction restraining the ex-minister from holding any public office in Nigeria unless she purged herself of the conduct by publishing a personally signed apology letter to Nigerians and the Judiciary on a full page of two national newspapers. The injunction would become perpetual if she failed to abide by the order within 30 days.
Despite initially challenging the judgment by approaching the Court of Appeal, Dame Pauline Tallen has now complied with the court’s order. She caused the apology to be published in national newspapers across the federation, fulfilling the requirements set forth by the FCT High Court.
The resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting court judgments and the consequences of making disparaging remarks about the judiciary. It also highlights the role of the NBA in upholding the integrity of the legal system and holding public officials accountable for their actions.
The withdrawal of the appeal and compliance with the court order by Dame Pauline Tallen brings closure to this contentious matter, reaffirming the authority of the judiciary and the need for public figures to exercise caution in their statements regarding court decisions.
