The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly opposed the Rivers State House of Assembly’s decision to direct the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over allegations of age falsification.
The NBA described the probe as an attempt to drag the judiciary into the ongoing political crisis between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.
Speaking on behalf of the eight NBA branches in the state, the Chairman of the Okrika Branch, Tamunosiki Roberts, condemned the move during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
“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,” Roberts stated.
He stressed that judicial independence must be protected, warning that interference from political actors could destabilize the state.
“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,” he added.
The NBA recalled the 2014–2015 judicial crisis in Rivers, which resulted in courts being shut down for nearly a year, cautioning that such disruptions must not be allowed to happen again.
“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,” Roberts noted.
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The Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, also spoke on the matter, emphasizing that only the National Judicial Council (NJC) has the power to discipline judicial officers.
“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,” Eke stated.
She urged security agencies to act within the law and not allow themselves to be used for political purposes.
“The judiciary must not be bullied or pressured into submission. It remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed everyone, including politicians,” she added.
The NBA called on all political actors in the state to de-escalate tensions and prioritize peace and economic stability. It also warned against any form of intimidation and urged all parties involved in the crisis to resolve their differences peacefully for the sake of Rivers State and Nigeria.