with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that judicial independence is crucial to sustaining peace in the state.
The press statement was jointly signed by Cordelia Eke (Mrs) Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch; Hilda Desmond-lhekaire (Ph.D) Chairman, Ahoada Branch; Simple Dioha, Esq. Chairman, Isiokpo Branch; Abiye Abo, Esq. Chairman, Degema Branch; Dr. N.A. Duson, Chairman, Bori Branch; Dr. Celestine Nwankwo, Chairman, Okehi Branch; Tamunosiki Roberts, Esq. Chairman, Okrika Branch and Ekeledinichukwu Ordu, Esq., Chairman, Omoku Branch.
The statement said: “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.
“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.
The NBA noted that complaints against judicial officers are handled by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The group further said the judiciary should not be intimidated or bullied by the bidding of any other arm of government, advocating for the use of the democratic process and rule of law in resolving the political crisis in Rivers.
The statement added: “Every action in the Public Service has a prescribed procedure which alI should respect and observe to forestall chaos and anarchy in the State. In the case of the Judiciary, any complaint against one of its officers is 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 need for the protection of the Judiciary cannot be overemphasised 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.”