Don’t drag Rivers Judiciary into political crisis – NBA warns Amaewhule, others

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cautioned the Rivers State House of Assembly and other political actors in the ongoing crisis to exclude the judiciary from their disputes.

In a joint statement released in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the eight branches of the NBA in Rivers State strongly opposed any move to compromise the judiciary’s independence, revealing that they would not allow another court shutdown in the state.

The statement was signed by the chairpersons of the Port Harcourt, Ahoada, Isiokpo, Degema, Bori, Okehi, Okrika, and Omoku branches of the NBA.

Speaking on their behalf, Tamunosiki A. Roberts, Chairman of the Okrika Branch, criticized the Assembly’s resolution directing the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, over alleged age falsification.

Roberts described the development as unfortunate and unnecessary, warning that escalating political tensions could destabilize the state.

“We must caution that the judiciary should not be drawn into the ongoing imbroglio for no just cause,” Roberts said. “The independence of the judiciary is crucial to the sustenance of peace and stability, as all contending parties ultimately rely on the judiciary for dispute resolution, as seen in recent Supreme Court rulings.”

He recalled past incidents between 2014 and 2015, which led to the closure of courts in Rivers State, and stressed that such a situation must not be repeated.

The NBA also reminded the Assembly that complaints against judicial officers should be handled by the National Judicial Council (NJC), the only body authorized to discipline or investigate judges.

“The judiciary must not be intimidated or bullied into serving the interests of any arm of government. We urge all parties to embrace democratic principles and allow the rule of law to prevail in resolving the state’s political crisis,” Roberts added.

The NBA concluded by appealing to all political stakeholders to prioritize peace and stability in Rivers State, given its economic significance to the nation.