BREAKING: 24 Hours After Militants Group Threatens To Bomb Oil Pipelines, NJC summons judges over conflicting court orders in Rivers
Justice Tsoho is also expected to explain why River's State matters is being held at Abuja Federal high court instead of River's federal high Court.
24 Hours After Militants Group Threatens To Bomb Oil Pipelines, NJC summons judges over conflicting court orders in Rivers
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to appear on October 29, 2024.
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Justice Tsoho is expected to address questions surrounding his court’s handling of politically sensitive cases from Rivers State, held in Abuja rather than Rivers. This summons comes in response to growing concerns over jurisdictional irregularities and conflicting court rulings that have fueled unrest in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed her commitment to address the issue, ordering an investigation into judicial decisions that appear to have worsened the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The NJC has formed a panel, chaired by a former Court of Appeal justice, to probe into these cases and any potential judicial misconduct. Justice Tsoho’s appearance is the latest in a series of measures by the NJC to maintain judiciary integrity and address recent jurisdictional disputes.
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The inquiry by the NJC reflects growing alarm over the judicial handling of politically charged cases. The Chief Judge of the Rivers State High Court is also expected to appear before the NJC panel next week for questioning.
In her recent Senate screening, Justice Kekere-Ekun pledged to maintain judicial integrity and discipline, stating, “I am known for integrity and discipline; I will ensure zero tolerance for corruption.” She outlined plans for increased transparency in judicial appointments and enhanced welfare for judicial officers to safeguard the independence and quality of Nigeria’s judiciary.
The political conflict in Rivers State took a dire turn over the weekend when the Niger Delta Development Force, a local militia group, threatened to destroy oil installations if alleged plans to restrict funding for local government authorities in Rivers State proceed.
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In a statement on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Justin Alabraba, warned that they would target vital infrastructure if any judge in Abuja rules against the state’s financial autonomy.
The group claims that former Rivers State Governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike is attempting to use his influence to control local government funding in Rivers through a favorable ruling.
President Bola Tinubu has also been urged by the group to intervene, specifically to prevent any potential judicial ruling that could destabilize the state further.
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