By Crystal Ugoeze
Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has expressed disappointment over what he described as the slow response of Nigeria’s judicial and political institutions to recent actions and statements from the United States government regarding Nigeria.
In a post shared on social media, Odinkalu questioned why the Federal High Court has not issued any restraining orders or legal responses, a move that has in the past been used to counter external pressures or diplomatic tensions.
“Am I the only one disappointed that we are still waiting on the Federal High Court to issue an order restraining the US?” he wrote. Odinkalu also referenced the names of past judges and political figures known for swift judicial interventions, adding, “No Omotoso? No Lifu? Where is Governor Wike when Nigeria needs him?”
His remarks appear to mock what he suggests is a pattern of judicial activism or political theatre in sensitive cases involving government interests. The comment has sparked debate across social media, with some users agreeing that the system has gone unusually quiet, while others argue that restraint may be necessary in delicate international relations.
The Federal High Court and the Ministry of Justice have not yet made public comments in response to the growing discourse.