Judiciary
By Moses Idika
FOLLOWING widespread concern over the integrity of the judiciary and the threat to democracy, a coalition comprising of lawyers, civil society organisations, CSOs, political parties and ethnic leaders have come together under the aegis of Joint Action for Democracy, JAD, to demand the immediate dismissal of Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and Justices Peter Lifu and James Omotosho.
This collective action is coming on the heels of allegations that the Justices have transformed the Federal High Court into a playground for groups in support of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, through questionable exparte judgments and rulings.
The groups, in a world press conference read on behalf of the coalition by their National Coordinator, Peter Ameh, expressed deep discontent regarding the apparent silence of the relevant authorities.
He alleged that Justice Tsoho employs special judges to deliver these controversial judgments favouring pro-Wike factions.
This situation, according to Ameh, raises serious questions about judicial impartiality and adherence to legal standards.
He therefore said that Justice Tsoho and Lifu should be stopped from assigning, seating on any Rivers State matter until their questionable judgments/Exparte for pro-Wike groups are probed to save the image of the judiciary.
“In response to these alarming developments, ethnic youth leaders, lawyers and former presidential candidates will march to the National Judicial Council, NJC, and foreign missions. The objective is to demand not only the removal of CJ Justice Tsoho, Lifu and Omotosho, but also to advocate for a visa ban on them due to their involvement in issuing questionable judgments and exparte rulings that undermine public trust in the judiciary.
“Nigerians still remember with ignominy the decision of an enemy of democracy, Justice Bassey Ikpeme, who, on June 10, 1993, and in a similar fashion as we see today, delivered the order that truncated democracy in Nigeria and led to the nullifying of the 1993 presidential election,” Ameh said.
The coalition firmly believes it is imperative to halt Justice Tsoho’s, Justices Lifu’s, and Omotosho’s further assignments or hearings related to Rivers State matters until a thorough investigation is conducted into their questionable judgments. This step is crucial for preserving the judiciary’s integrity and image as an institution dedicated to justice.
“Furthermore, lawyers across various sectors are urged to boycott courts presided over by Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu. The continuous issuance of dubious exparte rulings that contravene established judicial precedents and constitutional provisions cannot be tolerated. The legal community must unite against practices threatening the rule of law and judicial independence.
“This press statement serves as a clarion call for accountability within our judicial system. It urges all stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy to join hands in this fight for justice and integrity within our courts.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC keep quiet, thinking it is for their political benefit now, so all the rot can continue. But when this serpent turns into a dragon tomorrow, they should not complain because, assuredly, it will go round,” the groups said.
A.I
Oct. 17, 2024
Tags: James Omotosho. Justice John Tsoho Justices Peter Lifu
