Rivers Judiciary Crisis: Transparency Group Urges NJC To Reassign Political Cases Away From Judges Linked To Wike
The Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene in the handling of political cases originating from Rivers State. The group has specifically urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to refrain from assigning such cases to judges who have allegedly received favours from the former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
During a press briefing on Thursday, the group’s President General, Chizy Enyi, Esq., expressed concern over judicial integrity, citing examples where judges allegedly accepted gifts and benefits that compromise their impartiality.
One of the key issues raised involved Justice James K. Omotosho, who, according to the group, received a property allocation from Wike in 2019 at GRA Phase 8, Eliozu, Port Harcourt. This allocation followed a controversial judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho in 2018 that prevented the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State from fielding candidates for the general elections.
“The acceptance of such gifts by judicial officers creates public suspicion and undermines the trust in the judiciary,” Enyi stated. “The allocation of plot 104 to Justice Omotosho, a plot previously owned by Hon. Odien Ajumogobia, SAN, raises serious questions about propriety and ethics.”
The group further alleged that the revoked plot was intended for public use, questioning why a judge would accept such an allocation without raising ethical concerns.
Enyi also highlighted concerns about Justice Omotosho’s involvement in a case regarding Rivers State’s appropriation law. He argued that prior motions challenging the court’s jurisdiction were disregarded in a manner that suggested bias influenced by the judge’s relationship with Wike.
In a strongly worded appeal, the group urged the NJC to ensure that political cases from Rivers State are reassigned to judges untainted by any perceived connections to Wike.
“The judiciary is meant to be the last hope of the common man, not the hope of those with privileged access to judges,” Enyi said. “This pattern of favouritism erodes public confidence in the legal system.”
The NJC, established under the 1999 Constitution, is responsible for upholding judicial independence and professional standards. The group called for swift action to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system and restore public trust in its decisions.
