Opinion
Judiciary, Still Our Last Hope?
During the Senate screening of the first woman Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Maryam Aloma Muktar (Mrs,), there was one captivating, interesting and thought-provoking question that was put across to the Chief Judge-to-be by distinguished Senator Heneken Lokpobiri of Bayelsa State.
In the question, he sought to know how the new CJ would reconcile the various disparity and conflicting judgments that characterised the country’s judicial system today. Indeed, the question was very timely because it came at a point in our judicial debacle when there are issues of countless apathy amongst its components – the Supreme, Appeal and High Courts over matters that are of the same substance, gravity and content.
Traditionally, it is believed that justice, equity and fair play are fundamental attributes and traits of the judiciary. This is why the common man had always thought of resorting to the court in the face of gruesome intimidation, oppression and unrightful denial of constitutional and human rights. To the common man, the court is like a holy sanctuary and judge or magistrate is highly esteemed even above every other professional endeavour.
Also, in the civilized world, matters are decided or dispensed in court to allay several fears of bias, intimidation and debauch.
Dr. Haburk Manson once wrote, in one of his poetic collections that magistrates and judges are twin younger brother to Jesus Christ fathered by the Almighty God. This description point to the fact that judges and magistrates by the ethics of their profession are supposed to be more religious in practical performances of their duties above other disciplines and even more transparent and hospitable than the hospitals. Death is a natural phenomenon created by divine dictate and providence and can only be revised, also, by a supernatural decree.
Every effort to resuscitate life by medical experts in various fields of study are being scrutinized, examined and decided upon by the conference of supernatural power of trinity before transmitting to the visible and the professional ability of the doctors.
But the issue of fundamental human rights is a privilege given to human being by our Creator. lts total usage and controls are entirely the responsibility of man which has been questioned by Him and Him alone, This is why human beings in their absurd and cruel wisdom have decided to manipulate, misuse and abuse it and God, the giver is only watching and waiting for the fullness of time when He shall punish offenders. However, it is very pertinent to note that these fundamental generalissimos of human rights are the three forks on which ‘human existence on planet earth anchor.
To me, committing an offence against these rights is rhetorically more grievous than murdering a life. This is why the legendary prophet of song (Ragae) Robert Nesta Bob-Marley once said “My Right is my life, he who takes away my right, takes away my life”. The Almighty God in His infinite mercy did not want to leave us alone, been fully aware of the short- comings and wicked tendencies of man to man, decided to wave into the privilege by giving man the knowledge and wisdom and authority of creating an institution called judiciary by which this fundamental issue could be addressed, fortified and properly managed in accordance with the natural law of justice, equity and fair play to fellow human being.
It is on this premise that we want to beam our focus, this moment on the nature and workability of this institution in our country in general and Rivers State in particular. Right from independence till now, so much has gone about our judicial system within the period under review. But the most important question now is how reliable and dependable is this all-most crucial and exclusive institution?
How is it leaving up to the tenet and expectation of its formation which is upholding the principle of good justice without adulteration? It could be highly recalled that within the post independence era, there was some semblance of sanity in the system.
During this period, in a very great franticly assertion, there was quick dispensation of justice and majority of judgments, too, were delivered based on merits of the matters. Talking about this era of average dignity of justices, when judgments were actually weighed on scale of absolute balance not preference before dishing out, we quickly remember golden names like Justice Rotimi Atanda Williams, Ajayi, Niki Tobi, Inko- Tariah etc, some of blessed memories and some, aged. In a critical examinations, it is discovered that major dependable references made in law today, for instance, within the Nigeria Weekly Law Reports, are products of judgment delivered by these credible and indelible names of the post independence.
They are capable of staying alive on track for so long because of their quality and the prospect they portend. These were the time when one can unarguably beat up chest and proudly say without fear or favour and in greater percentage that the judiciary was really the “last hope of the common man”.
Regrettably, we discovered that, the reality of this belief is no longer on the minds of people with regards to the topsy-turvy nature of our judicial system this time around. For instance, there are lots of conflicts and controversies over quantum of judgments delivered in recent times by most new generational magistrates and judges which are in contentions and in the eyes of the law cannot be commensurate with international standard and best practices. Good judgments are indelible and stand the test of time through generation yet unborn. For instance, can the Omehia Vs Amaechi first matter of the Supreme Court (that which ushered in Amaechi) be acceptable internationally? What about the Ibori’s?
Please I need to be corrected. These kangaroo kind of judgments are everywhere in the state and country, especially politically motivated and influenced. Most people today find pleasure in committing crime and run to court or excitedly wait to be taken to court for prosecution because they know it is easier for them to maneuver and play the monkeylike way out of the wrath of the law.
Marcus Tullius Cicero rightly put it when he summarily described the situation in a single sentence that “the excitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment”. The belief of paying one’s way out or buying the justice makes people to go into evil against innocent people sometimes whose common hope in the court is dashed. This actually ridiculed and tarnished the entire system.
Let us bring up a system of justice where everybody will be equal before the law. Where judgment can always be defended by even the guilty, where credible people shall be appointed to head, where absolute rule of law is maintained and total independence of the system uphold.
Our first woman, Chief Justice who has made so much history, counting on her numerous pedigrees of refusing to be bent on the course of straightening justice in the country, should be able to do extra work on writing off the wrong of the system and opening a new chapter of right. I rest my case!
Tordee (JP) is a public affairs analyst residing in Port Harcourt.
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
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