NJC Called to Sanction Judges Issuing Questionable Orders in Rivers Crisis

The NJC is facing pressure to sanction judges involved in issuing frivolous court orders during the ongoing Rivers crisis. Read more on the demands for judicial discipline.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has been called upon to promptly sanction judges who have issued frivolous court orders and ex-parte injunctions amidst the current political crisis in Rivers State.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) issued a statement over the weekend, cautioning that these practices might endanger Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

Emmanuel Onwubiko, the national coordinator for HURIWA, expressed in a signed statement: “The political unrest in Rivers State—exacerbated by inconsistent court orders from different judges—reflects Nigeria’s challenging political past and endangers its democratic stability.

Recently, there has been a legal conflict involving Federal High Court judges in Abuja issuing restraining orders that seem to undermine the legitimately elected government of Rivers State.”

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HURIWA pointed out that numerous orders are marred by bribery allegations, which further undermine public trust in the judiciary.

The rights group cautioned that the judiciary may become a tool for political manipulation, as corrupt judges are undermining democratic order.

“The judiciary should not become a tool for political manipulation,” Onwubiko remarked. “It’s concerning to see judges, especially in the Federal Capital Territory, issuing rash court orders that threaten legitimate governments and compromise democratic processes.”

HURIWA urged the NJC, the authority overseeing judicial conduct, to act quickly and decisively in tackling escalating corruption within the judiciary. The association emphasized that judges or lawyers involved in issuing or aiding questionable court orders should face significant repercussions.

HURIWA stressed that the NJC must uphold its duties and make sure corrupt judges are held accountable. This concern extends beyond Rivers State; it pertains to the very survival of our democracy. Judges who accept bribes in return for issuing orders not only violate the law but also undermine public will.

HURIWA additionally called on the NJC to create systems for overseeing the issuance of ex-parte and restraining orders in politically sensitive cases. The group stated that this measure would help protect the judiciary’s integrity and rebuild public trust in the system.

The group also linked judicial corruption to the excessive influence that the executive branch exerts on the judiciary.

HURIWA urged the National Assembly to swiftly enact a law that bans judges from accepting benefits from the executive branch.

The group emphasized that the independence of the judiciary is non-negotiable and must be vigorously safeguarded to maintain the rule of law in Nigeria.

“The National Assembly needs to take action to safeguard our democracy. It is essential that we establish laws prohibiting judges from receiving gifts such as land allocations from the executive branch, as these are not acts of generosity but political instruments designed to influence the judiciary,” stated HURIWA.