Advocacy Group Calls On NJC To Sanction Erring Judges

An Advocacy Group, Center For Reform and Public Advocacy has called for an equitable and unbiased dispensation of justice to sustain the rule of law as the only institution the common man depends on to get justice in the country.

Head of the Legal Unit, Center For Reform & Advocacy Bar. Kalu Agu who made the call in a news briefing in Abuja, said the selective application of justice in Nigeria is like cancer that threatens the foundation of our democracy.

He however called on security agencies to see themselves as the institutions meant to protect Nigerians hence desist from been used as tools to weaponize against opposition political leaders.

“Our Democracy is under threat and we have to express our outrage and deep concern over the disturbing trend of using the security agencies and some judicial officers to intimidate, harass, and prosecute opposition political leaders at this critical moment in our nation’s democratic history.”

“The very institutions meant to protect Nigerians are now being weaponized against opposition political leaders who have been indicted in so many financial corrupt practices and allowed to walk freely without any consequences.”

“A very clear case at hand is the numerous petitions by the Attorney General and Honourable Commissioner for Justice in Zamfara State against the former Governor of Zamfara State, Muhammad Matawalle, requesting the EFCC to investigate alleged Criminal Breach of Trust, Abuse of Office and unlawful Conversion of Government Vehicles against the former Governor.”

“Despite these avalanche petitions against the former Governor of Zamfara State, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, is treating the former Governor of Zamfara State, as one who is above the law and untouchable.”

“In the same vein, the criminal investigation file of Mrs. Beta Edu’s financial corrupt case that involves the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and other current government echelons has long gathered irremovable dusts in the cabinets of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.”

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Police Force, and other agencies must not be used to settle scores or silence constructive criticism,
reports from human rights groups also confirm the harassment of critics, turning law enforcement into tools of partisan repression”.

“We are using this forum to remind our judicial officers that when they are used as instruments of political persecution, the independence of the judiciary is compromised, and justice is brought into disrepute, it is not in dispute that the Nigerian judiciary has a proud history of upholding justice and protecting the rights of citizens.”

“It is on this note that we call on all Nigerians and international community to condemn, in the strongest terms, the actions of those who seek to manipulate the judicial system for political gain;

“We also call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take immediate action to
Investigate and sanction judges who compromise their oath of office.
Ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary
Protect judges who resist political pressure and uphold justice.”

“Let all Nigerians unite to sound the alarm on the erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law in Nigeria, defend our democracy and ensure that justice is served, not just for the powerful, but for all Nigerians.Any government that silence dissent and stifle criticism is not governance but oppression; Agu added”.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji