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CJN Blasts APC Over Attack On Court …Says Action Signals Danger For Democracy …It’s Politics Taken Too Far -Nwuche
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has condemned in strong terms, the attack on Rivers State Judiciary Complex.
Onnoghen said the act was not only disturbing but was a complete show of shame which ought not to be encouraged by right-thinking members of the Nigerian public.
The CJN made this statement in reaction to the brazen attack on the Port Harcourt High Court Complex, last Friday.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Onnoghen recalled that the act was carried out in order to stop the court from giving its ruling in an intra-party dispute of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the reports, the attack took place as judges, magistrates, staff and lawyers reported for duty at the said Rivers State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital while judicial and non-judicial staff were denied access to the complex as all the gates were padlocked and the buildings surrounded by hoodlums.
“These hoodlums, who were said to be heavily armed, reportedly inflicted bodily harm to judicial officers and other staff of the Judiciary going about their lawful duties, and destroyed some properties belonging to the Judiciary,” the CJN stated.
He further stated that “this action was aimed at stopping the court from sitting and delivering a ruling in an intra-party dispute of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in respect of the local government congresses of the party in the state.
“This latest act of intimidation of the Judiciary and the unwarranted violence against a peaceful institution of an arm of government is quite disturbing. More importantly, such show of shame ought not to be encouraged by right-thinking members of the Nigerian public.
“If the enemies of our peace and democracy succeed or get away with what occurred at the High Court in Port-Harcourt, it would be a source of encouragement to them to do same to the Court of Appeal, and ultimately, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, whenever any one of them perceives that a judgment may be delivered against any of them or the interests they represent,” Onnoghen added.
He also said that, “the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and our judges and judicial officers are called upon to remain true to their Oath of Office. They must remain focused, resolute, and courageous, regardless of the effort at intimidating them”, and further urged all Nigerians to continue to have faith in the Judiciary of the nation.
“Any person with a legitimate complaint against another person, organisation or institution is advised to employ the civilised and legal mode of redress as contained and guaranteed by our Constitution.
“Whoever is dissatisfied with the outcome of decisions of our courts of law has the right of appeal as constitutionally guaranteed. The Judiciary will never fail in its duties.
“Violence, the type visited on the Judiciary of Rivers State, is alien to any civilised society, and therefore, condemnable,” he emphasised.
Onnoghen also noted, with grave concern, that this magnitude of violence could be visited on the Judiciary during a ward/local government intra-party primary election, and wonders what the situation would be during the forthcoming general elections in 2019.
The chief justice, however, commended security agencies for bringing the chaos under control, thereby allowing the affected judge to go ahead and deliver the ruling on the matter, but warned that attacks on the Judiciary was a disaster that would end democracy in Nigeria as parties would resort to self-help in the absence of the Judiciary or confidence in the Judiciary as an arbiter.
The CJN also seized the opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the Judiciary to expeditious hearing of all political matters to avoid escalating political tension in the country, and advised judicial officers to go about their lawful duties without fear or favour.
Similarly, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche has condemned the invasion of the Rivers State High Court by thugs in an attempted bid to stop the court from sitting and discharging its constitutional duties to the generality of Nigerians.
Nwuche said that “such action of self-help, apart from being unconstitutional, is capable of truncating our hard won democracy and plunging our country into anarchy”.
He advised politicians not to allow their quest for power to undermine democracy and societal values, and condemned the abuse of power inherent in the attempt to disallow the courts from sitting.
“We must at all times abide by the rule of law and show utmost respect for the Judiciary as a critical organ of civilised societies and our democracy. No society can exist without respect for the law and it’s institutions”, Nwuche said.
He urged politicians to remember that power was ephemeral, adding that they would one day become ordinary citizens, who would live amongst other Nigerians, and be responsible in their use of power.
Nwuche, who had earlier condemned the attempt by a faction of the Rivers State APC to write names of their cronies instead of allowing proper ward congresses where party members would choose their preferred candidates, wondered why simple congresses should lead to the degeneration in law and order.
“Any party executive that is imposed in this undemocratic and unjust manner will never enjoy the confidence of the masses of supporters and will lead to the party losing any free and fair elections,” Nwuche noted.
“The action of the party leaders who are bent on imposing their will against the generality of party supporters may lead to people leaving the party in protest at the impunity. This is especially when many party supporters are already disgruntled on account of persecution by certain office holders who are using their offices to oppress party members,” he stated.
He urged the APC at the national level to intervene in the crisis and reschedule the congresses to allow the will of members to prevail in an atmosphere devoid of intimidation.
Nwuche further argued that it would be illogical to have LGA congresses when there was no ward congress, as it was impossible to build something on nothing.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.