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Trip To Idi Amin’s Uganda …Of Attacks On Unfriendly Judges
Last Saturday morning, Nigerians woke up to the news that a detachment of heavily armed men of the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and the Police attempted to abduct a Federal High Court Judge resident in Port Harcourt. And that in a bid to defend the embattled Judge, Rivers State Executive Governor, Nyesom Wike was manhandled by the assailants.
Many considered the news unbelievable, because judges belong to the third arm of government, the Judiciary which has its own code of conduct and ethics. Corrupt and undisciplined judges are a responsibility of the National Judicial Council (NJC) which reserves the right to investigate and punish such erring judges.
In performance of that duty, the NJC recently retired and sacked some judges and opened investigation into the background of Judges who gave conflicting judgements on same issues, with a view to ascertaining their level of compromise.
This is why it came to many as a huge shock that the DSS and the Police, all part of the executive arm could launch such affront on a sitting judge without recourse to the NJC for proper trial.
This kind of Gestapo-stuff attack, many thought ended with the Idi Amin’s Uganda and should not be repeated, especially in a democratic Nigeria. Many think this may be an unfriendly judge, who the powers that be want to teach a lesson, same lesson daily thought opposition politicians in the name of fighting corruption.
Among victims are Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, (PDP), Ex-Minister Godsday Orubebe, (PDP), former Chief Security Adivser (CSA), Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) PDP, among several others. Interestingly, none of the former State governors who jumped ship to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the PDP has been investigated, despite the many petitions against them.
What that translates to is that no matter how dark a governor’s sins may be, once we defects to the ruling APC his past is wiped clean. He is a new creature fit for eternal life. A life without probes and that of impunity.
Is this the democracy that ushered an opposition party in governance for the first time in the history of Nigeria? Or is it another Military rule, where perceived enemies are incarcerated at will by the powers that be?
Whither the civil society organizations? Whither the civil rights activists? Whither vocal Nigerians who badmouthed the former government to its grave?
On our last check, only the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has spoken against the arrest of two other judges after Saturday’s midnight invasion of their homes. The NBA declared a state of emergency in the Judiciary and asked President Muhammadu Buhari to order the immediate release of the affected judges or there would be consequences”.
Addressing newsmen alongside four former Presidents of the NBA, President Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) said two Supreme Court Justices Iyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta were “abducted”, with their families, adding that he had yet to have full details of other judges who could have been involved.
Mahmoud said NBA condemned what it termed the Gestapo-style operation of the DSS and announced the constitution of an emergency or crisis management team comprising past presidents to engage the government.
Mahmoud, according to the Vanguard said, it was not the responsibility of the DSS to arrest judges and described the DSS action as an unconstitutional means of intimidating the Judiciary and undermining its independence.
“I want to emphasise again that we are not under military rule and we cannot accept this unholy event and Gestapo-style operation”, Mahmoud warned.
According to him, “Any issues affecting the Judicial officers, there are established procedures of handling them and we demand that this constitutional process be obeyed”, and demanded the immediate release of the affected Judges.
“The release must be done immediately and without any conditions. Two, we demand that the Department of State Services (DSS) should limit itself to its statutory and constitutional responsibilities”, Mahmoud said, adding, “I’ll be meeting with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) tonight or tomorrow. There will be consequences should these demands are not met”.
But wait! Who ordered the arrest of the judges? Who tried and found them guilty? If they are yet to be tried, who would try them? The executive?
What are the consequences of this siege on an arm of government, as important as the Judiciary, believed to be the last hope of the common man?
An attack on the Judiciary is not merely an attack on Lawyers and Judges, it is indeed an attack against civilization, democracy and the rule of law. It is infact, a siege on the Nigerian people.
The immediate consequence of the action will be to intimidate incorrigible judges to join the bandwagon and do only the bidding of the ruling party, or be arrested and assaulted. The other is to use the clampdown to enlist friendly judges who would, at all times, offer favourable judgments to the power that be.
Otherwise, what is the rationale behind the attacks on judges? If the executive arm discovers an action it considers corrupt and wishes such Judge be punished there are laid out constitutional provisions and not assume the role of a judge in its own case.
The Buhari administration needs to be reminded for the umpteenth time that this is not a military rule where the Head of State is the maximum ruler, prosecutor and judge at the same time. The administration must therefore submit itself to the rule of law and invest on democratic growth, because the recent attack on judicial officers is not only undemocratic, it is unnecessary, vexatious and primitive.
First, it was the use of the Code of Conduct Bureau to effect leadership change in the Senate by trying Senate President Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), over questions bordering on party discipline but tied to false declaration of assets.
The protracted case at some point pitched the entire National Assembly against the Executive. Infact, it is not yet Uhuru, as both the Federal government and the Senate seem to find themselves in a marriage of convenience, with each waiting for when the other would strike first.
This makes the attack on the Judiciary one too many. Its marks of military adventurism and has no place in a democracy. Corruption is a crime which punishment is adequately provided for in our statute books. Therefore, any war against corruption must be fought according to the law and not transport Nigeria back into history, when, might was right.
Political might, it must be emphasized, belongs to the people and must not be used against its owners.
This is what the military siege against officers of the judicial arm translates into- an abuse of the people’s power. Such must be avoided, same way Governor Wike intervened in the foiled attempt to abduct another judge.
My Agony is against one of the most annoying fallacies of the kind of federalism Nigeria operates, and which makes the Governor, Chief Security Officer (CSO) of his State, while infact the power is exercised randomly and at will by many others, on the orders of a single individual, not the CSO. Methinks State Police remains the only answer to the trip back to military rule.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.
Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.
“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.
“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.
“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.
The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.
She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.
“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”
“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.
“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.
The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.
In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.
Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.
