Following widespread concern over the integrity of the judiciary, and threat to democracy, a coalition of lawyers, civil society organisations (CSOs), political parties, and ethnic leaders has come together under the aegis of Joint Action for Democracy (JAD) to demand the immediate dismissal of three top Justices (names withheld ) in the Federal High Court in the nation’s capital.
This collective action came on the heels of allegations that the did Justices have transformed the Federal High Court into a playground for groups in support of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike through questionable exparte orders and rulings.
The groups, in a world press conference, addressed on behalf of the coalition by their National Coordinator, High Chief Peter Ameh, expressed deep discontent regarding the apparent silence of relevant authorities.
The coalition alleged that one of the Justices employs special judges to deliver these controversial judgments favouring pro-Wike factions.
This situation, Ameh said, raises serious questions about judicial impartiality and adherence to legal standards.
He therefore said that Justices in question should be stopped from assigning, seating on any Rivers State matter until their questionable judgements/Exparte for pro-Wike groups are probed to save the image of the judiciary.
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High Chief Amen wondered why the affected Justices have allowed themselves to be used as clogs against local government elections
According to Amen, “Why are your continuous issuance of Exparte Orders and Rulings against the conduct of local government elections in Rivers State now more or less for the highest bidder?
“Did you consider the overall interest of the people before saying elections must not hold? Should Nigerians trust any judgment that emanates from your courts in view of the recent happenings? “Have you asked yourselves where is Justice Ikpeme and what would be remembered of him order than his announcement that elections should not be conducted and the annulment of June 12, 1993 general elections?”
Continuing, he said, “In response to these alarming developments, ethnic youth leaders, lawyers, and former presidential candidates will march to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and foreign missions”.
The objective, he explained , is to demand not only the removal of said Justices, but also to advocate for a visa ban on them due to their involvement in issuing questionable judgments and exparte rulings that undermine public trust in the judiciary.
“Nigerians still remember with ignominy the decision of an enemy of democracy, Justice Bassey Ikpeme, who, on June 10, 1993, and in a similar fashion as we see today, delivered the order that truncated democracy in Nigeria and led to the nullifying of 1993 presidential election,” Ameh said.
The coalition firmly believes that it is imperative to halt the concerned Justices from further assignments or hearings related to Rivers State matters until a thorough investigation is conducted into their questionable judgments.
His words, “This step is crucial for preserving the judiciary’s integrity and image as an institution dedicated to justice.
“Furthermore, lawyers across various sectors are urged to boycott courts presided over by three Justices.The continuous issuance of dubious exparte rulings that contravene established judicial precedents and constitutional provisions cannot be tolerated.
“The legal community must unite against practices threatening the rule of law and judicial independence.
“This press statement serves as a clarion call for accountability within our judicial system. It urges all stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy to join hands in this fight for justice and integrity within our courts.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC keep quiet, thinking it is for their political benefit now, so all the rot can continue. But when this serpent turns into a dragon tomorrow, they should not complain because, assuredly, it will go round,” the groups added.
