The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the Rivers State House of Assembly’s resolution directing the Department of State Services to investigate the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over allegations of age falsification.
The NBA characterised this move as an attempt to entangle the judiciary in the political crisis between the executive and legislative branches of government in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the eight branches of the NBA in Rivers State, Tamunosiki Roberts, Chairman of the Okrika Branch, made these statements at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Roberts emphasised the importance of protecting judicial independence and adhering to democratic principles in resolving disputes. He described the situation as a troubling political intrusion into the judiciary, warning that such actions could lead to instability in the state.
He stated, “We are aware of the existing political impasse between the Legislature and the Executive arms of government in Rivers State. However, we must caution against drawing the judiciary into the ongoing conflict without just cause.
“We reiterate that the independence of the judiciary is vital for maintaining peace and stability in the state, as parties in dispute ultimately rely on the judiciary for resolution, as seen recently at the Supreme Court.
“There is no need to escalate tensions, as the stability of Rivers State is essential for the economy of both the state and the country.”
The Rivers Assembly has adjourned its sittings indefinitely. The NBA warned that undermining the judiciary could destabilise the state, recalling the judicial crisis of 2014–2015 in Rivers that resulted in courts being closed for nearly a year.
“We cannot afford to face a similar situation in these times, especially considering the interests of the good people of Rivers State who have ongoing matters in court that require uninterrupted proceedings.
“The independence of the judiciary is critical for the maintenance of peace and stability in the state. Any attempts to intimidate or blackmail judicial officers could lead to chaos, which we cannot accept,” Roberts said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt branch, stressed that disciplinary matters concerning judicial officers fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the National Judicial Council (NJC), not the legislature or security agencies.
Eke stated, “Every action in public service follows a prescribed procedure. Regarding the judiciary, only the NJC has the authority to investigate or sanction any judge.”
She urged security agencies to operate within the law and not serve as political tools.
“The judiciary must not be bullied or pressured into submission. It remains the last hope of the common man, and of everyone, including politicians,” Eke noted.
The association called on all political actors to de-escalate tensions and prioritise the peace and economic stability of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
The Rivers NBA further warned against any attempts at intimidation and urged all parties involved in the ongoing political crisis in the state to set aside their differences and seek peaceful resolutions for the betterment of the state and the nation.
