The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) under the aegis of NBA Chairmen in Rivers State has warned against harassment and intimidation of the state Judiciary.

This is coming against the backdrop of the resolution by the Rivers State House of Assembly directing the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the Rivers State Chief Judge for alleged falsification of age.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt, the chairmen of the eight NBA branches in Rivers State described the resolution as “unfortunate,” moreso in view of the “already heated polity in Rivers State.”

The influential body stated at a Press Conference in Port Harcourt that it is “not unaware of the existing political impasse between the Legislature and the Executive Arms of Government in Rivers State,” but warned that “the Judiciary should not be drawn into the ongoing imbroglio for no just cause.”

The body of senior lawyers stated 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.”

The group recalled the incidences in 2014 to 2015 “that resulted in the closure of our Courts,” adding that “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 on-going matters in Court without interruptions.”

It noted that every action in the Public Service has a “prescribed procedure which all should respect and observe to forestall chaos and anarchy in the State,” adding that “In the case of the Judiciary, any complaint against one of its officers is dealt with by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which alone has the authority to carry out any disciplinary action or authorize any investigation against any Judge.”

Noting that the security agencies “must respect due process and work within the ambit of the Law,” the NBA chairmen warned that “the Judiciary should not be intimidated into succumbing to blackmail, bullying or political pressure in the discharge of their duties.

“The need for the protection of the Judiciary cannot be overemphasized, as the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed everyone, including politicians. We continue to appeal to all contenders to sheath their swords and genuinely seek peace in the interest of Rivers State and the economy of Nigeria at large.”

Below is the full text of the press statement by the body of NBA Chairmen.

PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE CHAIRMEN OF THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF NIGERIA BAR ASSOCIATION IN RIVERS STATE ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY DIRECTING THE D.S.S. TO INVESTIGATE THE CHIEF JUDGE OF THE STATE

15th March, 2025

The attention of the 8 branches of the NBA in Rivers State, has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th of March, 2025 directing the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate the Rivers State Chief Judge on allegations of falsification of age. It is quite unfortunate, that despite the already heated polity in Rivers State, we are still experiencing escalations such as this.

We recognize the Constitutional powers and roles of the three Arms of Government in the State. We also recognize the need for these Arms of Government to work in synergy for the peace, progress and development of the State. Thus, there is need for mutual respect amongst all the parties. 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. We can easily recall the incidences in 2014 – 2015 which exposed the Judiciary and Judicial Officers that resulted in the closure of our Courts. 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 on-going matters in Court without interruptions.

Every action in the Public Service has a prescribed procedure which all should respect and observe to forestall chaos and anarchy in the State. In the case of the Judiciary, any complaint against one of its officers is dealt with by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which alone has the authority to carry out any disciplinary action or authorize any investigation against any Judge.

The role of Security agencies is clearly defined, and they also must respect due process and work within the ambit of the Law. It is therefore, advised that the Judiciary should not be intimidated into succumbing to blackmail, bullying or political pressure in the discharge of their duties.

The need for the protection of the Judiciary cannot be overemphasized, as the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed everyone, including politicians. We continue to appeal to all contenders to sheath their swords and genuinely seek peace in the interest of Rivers State and the economy of Nigeria at large.

Long live the Nigerian Bar Association of Nigeria!

Long live Rivers State!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

 

Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs.),

Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch _______________________________

 

Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire (Ph.D),

Chairman Ahoada Branch   _______________________________

 

Simple Dioha, Esq.,

Chairman, Isiokpo Branch     _______________________________

 

Abiye A. Abo, Esq.

Chairman, Degema Branch   ____________________________________

 

Dr. N. A. Duson,

Chairman, Bori Branch      ____________________________________

Dr. Celestine N. Nwankwo,

Chairman, Okehi Branch   _____________________________________

 

Tamunosiki A. Roberts, Esq.,

Chairman, Okrika Branch  ______________________________________

 

Ekeledinichukwu Ordu, Esq.,

Chairman, Omoku Branch  ______________________________________