Rivers CJ Bans Affidavit Racketeering

As part of concerted efforts to strengthen the administration of the Judiciary, the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice SimeonAmadi has banned all forms of racketeering of affidavit by unauthorised persons within and around the Judiciary complex in Port Harcourt, saying that anyone or group of persons who violates the directive would be prosecuted.
Justice Amadi stated this when he granted audience to members of Judiciary/Crime Reporters Association, Rivers State chapter, who paid him a familiarisation visit in his office in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The state chief judge, who was reacting to the address of the chairman of the group said, the situation has become embarrassing that touting of affidavits in front of the Judiciary complex has become a lucrative business.
Amadinoted that lawyers, litigants and friends of the Judiciary were being harassed and molested by this group of persons in the name of looking for customers.
He opined that his administration would an end to the ugly situation, and directed the chief registrar of High Court to ensure that those persons engaged in touting opposite the court complex were chased away; adding that anyone caught should be made to face the wrath of the law.
The chief judge described the media as an integral partner in the development of the Judiciary, adding that both the Judiciary and the media must cooperate in other to achieve the common goal of guaranteeing justice in the society.
Justice Amadi used the opportunity to thank the Judiciary Press Corps for the positive and good reportage given to the Judiciary in the past, and urged the group to consolidate on the gains made in order to move the administration of justice forward.
“The media is an indispensable tool for the Judiciary development. I implore you to report what happened in the court accurately. My administration will cooperate and give you the maximum support to do your work”, Amadi assured.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Press Corps, Samuel Chinda, had requested the support and cooperation of the Judiciary for effective discharge of their responsibilities.
He also tasked the Judiciary authorities to intervene to tame the activities of touts within and around the Judiciary premises, and assured him of the group’s support to succeed as Rivers CJ.
The Tide reports that the chief judge of Rivers State also approved the immediate release of an office space within the complex for the state Judiciary Press Corps.

By: Akujobi Amadi