…Plan To March To NJC, Foreign Missions To Demand Sack, Visa Ban On Some Judges
Abuja: Political Parties, Lawyers, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have tasked the National Judicial Council (NJC) to look seriously into questionable judgments and ex-parte orders being dished out by some judges.
The groups, under the aegis of Joint Action for Democracy (JAD) at a world press conference in Abuja, vowed to march to NJC and foreign missions to demand a sack and visa ban on some of the judges if what is noted continued.
High Chief Peter Ameh, the National Coordinator, who spoke on behalf of JAD, expressed deep discontent regarding the apparent silence of relevant authorities.
The groups said that the press conference served as a clarion call for accountability within the judicial system.
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JAD 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. 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.
“These judges have allegedly been involved in partisan activities while on the bench. They have been known to use their discretion to issue Exparte Orders in place of court judgments. Their activities have come to our attention, and it is high time they are stopped.
“These judges have taken a personal interest in Rivers State, its House of Assembly, political parties, Local Government elections, and everything else associated with the state. They have consistently presented their orders from politically tainted viewpoints without recourse to the provisions of the law.”
The coalition commended the Rivers State judiciary, particularly Justice I.P.C. Igwe, adding, “his recent judgment mandating the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIVSIEC) to conduct local government elections on October 5th is a significant step towards upholding democratic principles in Rivers State. This decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s ruling that mandates all states to hold elections for Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen and Councillors within three months. It is crucial for democracy that these elections take place without undue delay or interference.
“We commend Justice I.P.C. Igwe because his judgment keeps the peace in Rivers State today. The plan by the enemies of our country working in high places to throw Rivers State into anarchy has been effectively arrested by Justice Igwe’s judgment.
JAD urged all stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy to join hands in this fight for justice and integrity within our courts, adding, “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.”
