The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the Nigerian judiciary to stand up against national issues that are threatening its independence as an arm of government and the survival of democracy in the country.
Diri said the rate at which the Bench was being trampled upon in the country not only threatens the nation’s democracy but also denigrates the dignity and respect the judiciary rightly deserves.
He stated this at a ceremonial court session to mark the official commencement of the 2021/2022 Legal Year and unveiling of the state judiciary magazine at the Chief Judge’s Court in Yenagoa, on Monday.
The governor, who spoke through his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, recalled the October 29 invasion of Justice Mary Odili’s Abuja residence by some security operatives, describing the action as repulsive, crude and undemocratic.
He challenged the Bench not to remain silent in the face of intimidation, noting that such brazen display of impunity could affect the dispensation of justice and the rule of law in the country, if not resisted.
Diri equally called on the Bench and the Bar to take the issue of discipline among legal practitioners seriously by urgently reviewing and implementing their disciplinary measures to maintain high standards in the profession.
He said his administration would do its best to improve on the welfare of members of the Bench, and also complete work on the ongoing renovation of courts in the state.
Diri said, “The Bench should not adopt the approach of the earthworm, who is so simple that everyone comes and tramples on it and walks away.