The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has called for an end to political interference with the judiciary in Rivers State, urging the state’s lawmakers to keep the judiciary out of the escalating political unrest.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the eight NBA branches in the state expressed concern over the Rivers State House of Assembly’s recent resolution, which directed the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate Chief Judge Justice Simeon Amadi over allegations of age falsification.
Tamunosiki A. Roberts, Chairman of the Okrika Branch, condemned the move, saying, “The judiciary should not be drawn into the ongoing political imbroglio for no just cause.” He further emphasized that judicial independence is vital for maintaining peace in the state.
The NBA also reminded political leaders that any complaints against judicial officers must be handled by the National Judicial Council (NJC), not political bodies. Roberts warned, “We cannot afford to experience a repeat of the judicial shutdowns we witnessed in 2014-2015.”
The NBA concluded by urging all parties to seek peaceful resolutions for the sake of the state and national stability.