Rivers NBA Chairmen Decried RSHA Resolution Inviting DSS To Investigate CJ Over Alleged Falsification Of Age

The chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers state has decried the recent resolution made by members of the State House of Assembly calling on the DSS to investigate the state Chief Judge , justice Chibuzor Amadi over an alleged falsification of age and described such resolution as unfortunate and a way to escalate the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The group therefore appealed for all the parties in the matter to toe the line of peace to resolve the political impasses and stop dragging the judiciary in to the political crisis rocking the state at the moment.

The group stated this during a press briefing organised by the eight branches of the NBA in the state held at the conference Hall of Port Harcourt branch of NBA , tuesday.

Briefing journalists on behalf of the group,the chairman of NBA, Okirika Branch,
Tamunosiki A. Roberts,Esq.flanked by other branch chairmen ,
Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs.),
Chairman,Port Harcourt Branch ,
Hilda Desmond-lhekaire (Ph.D),
Chairman Ahoada Branch ,
Simple Dioha, Esq.,
Chairman, Isiokpo Branch
Abiye A. Abo, Esq.
Chairman, Degema Branch,
Dr.N.A. Duson,
Chairman, Bori Branch
Dr.Celestine N. Nwankwo,
Chairman, Okehi Branch and
Ekeledinichukwu Ordu, Esq., reiterated that the independence of the Judiciary is crucial and must be respected so as to sustain the existing peace and stability in the State and noted that the contending parties in the crisis will ultimately resorted to the Judiciary for the resolution of disputes as has recently been witnessed at the Supreme Court.

“The attention of the 8 branches of the NBA in Rivers State, has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th of March, 2025 directing the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate the Rivers State Chief Judge on allegations of falsification of age. It is quite unfortunate, that despite the already heated polity in Rivers State, we are still experiencing escalations such as this.”

“We recognize the Constitutional powers and roles of the three Arms of Government in the State. We also recognize the need for these Arms of Government to work in synergy for the peace, progress and development of the State. Thus, there is need for mutual respect amongst all the parties. We are not unaware of the existing political impasse between the Legislature and the Executive Arms of Government in Rivers State,however,we must caution that the Judiciary should not be drawn into the ongoing imbroglio for no just cause.”

“We reiterate that the independence of the Judiciary is crucial to the sustenance of peace and stability in the State, as contending parties ultimately resort to the Judiciary for the resolution of disputes as has recently been witnessed at the Supreme Court.”

He averred that there was no need to escalate tensions as the stability of the State is crucial to the economy of the State and the Country.

“We can easily recall
the incidences in 2014-2015 which exposed the Judiciary and Judicial Officers that resulted in the closure of our Courts. We cannot afford to experience a similar occurrence in the present times we find ourselves in the State, and especially for the interests of the good people of Rivers State to have their on-going matters in Court without interruptions.”

According to him every action in the Public Service has a prescribed procedure which all should respect and observe to forestall chaos and anarchy in the State, stressing that In the case of the Judiciary, any complaint against one of its officers are always dealt with by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which alone has the authority to carry out any disciplinary action or authorize any investigation against any Judge.

“The role of Security agencies is clearly defined, and they also must respect due process and work within the ambit of the Law. It is therefore, advised that the Judiciary should not be intimidated into succumbing to blackmail, bullying or political pressure in the discharge of their duties.”

“The need for the protection of the Judiciary cannot be overemphasized,as the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed everyone, including politicians.
We continue to appeal to all contenders to sheath their swords and genuinely seek peace in the interest of Rivers State and the economy of Nigeria at large.”.

Akujobi Amadi