Olusegun Ariyo
The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Rivers State has called on the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, 26 other lawmakers and other political actors involved in the ongoing political crisis to refrain from dragging the judiciary into the conflict.
Speaking during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the chairmen of eight NBA branches in the state emphasized the need for the Assembly to respect the independence of the judiciary.
Urban Express News Online Recall that the Assembly resolved to direct the Department of State Services, DSS, to investigate the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, over alleged age falsification.
Reacting to the move by the state Assembly, the NBA expressed concern over the resolution passed by the Assembly.
Speaking on behalf of the NBA in Rivers State, the Chairman of the NBA Okrika Branch, Tamunosiki Roberts, condemned the resolution, describing it as an attempt to undermine the role of the National Judicial Council, NJC, the constitutionally recognized body responsible for judicial affairs.
Roberts stressed the need to protect the judiciary, which he described as the last hope of the common man, including politicians, as he further noted that security agencies have clearly defined roles and must operate within the boundaries of the law while respecting due process.
He said, “We are not unaware of the existing political impasse between the Legislature and the Executive arms of government in Rivers State.
“However, we must caution that the judiciary should not be drawn into the ongoing imbroglio for no just cause.
“We reiterate that the independence of the judiciary is crucial to the sustenance of peace and stability in the state, as contending parties ultimately resort to the judiciary for the resolution of disputes as has recently been witnessed at the Supreme Court.
“There is no need to escalate tensions as the stability of Rivers State is crucial to the economy of the state and the country.”
Roberts also warned against any attempt to intimidate or pressure the judiciary through blackmail or political influence, cautioning that such actions could lead to a shutdown of the courts, as experienced between 2014 and 2015.
“We cannot afford to experience a similar occurrence in the present times we find ourselves in the state, and especially for the interests of the good people of Rivers State to have their ongoing matters in court without interruptions.
“The independence of the judiciary is crucial to the sustenance of peace and stability in the state. Any attempt to intimidate or blackmail judicial officers could lead to chaos, which we cannot afford.”
On her part, the Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, Cordelia Eke, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to addressing issues as they arise.
She urged all parties involved to sheath their swords and genuinely pursue peace in the interest of Rivers State.
“Every action in the public service has a prescribed procedure.
“In the case of the judiciary, only the NJC has the authority to investigate or sanction any judge.
“The judiciary must not be bullied or pressured into submission. It remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed everyone, including politicians,” Eke said.
