The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the call by the Rivers State House of Assembly on the invitation of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi on allegation age falsification.
It stated that it was the constitutional responsibility of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to carry out or authorize the investigation against any erring judge and, therefore, should be allowed to exercise its function.
The NBA declared that the judiciary should not be intimidated into succumbing to bullying or political pressure in discharging its duties.
The association asserted its position in a resolution signed by the chairmen of the eight branches of NBA, in Rivers State, on Monday.
In the resolution which was made available to Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday lawyers group said it is quite unfortunate, that despite the already heated polity in Rivers State, residents are still experiencing further escalations such as directing the DSS to investigate the Chief Judge.
The resolution stated: “The attention of the eight branches of the NBA in Rivers State, has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday,12th of March, 2025 directing the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate the
Rivers State Chief Judge on allegations of falsification of age.
“We recognize the constitutional powers and roles of the three arms of government in the state. We also recognize the need for these arms of government to work in synergy for the peace, progress and development of the state.
“Thus, there is need for mutual respect amongst all the parties.We are not unaware of the existing political impasse between the legislature and the executive arms of government in Rivers State. However, we must caution that the judiciary should not be drawn into the ongoing imbroglio for no just cause.”
The NBA called that there should not be a repeat of what happened between 2014 and 2015, when the judiciary was shut down in Rivers State because of political unrest.
It emphasized that the stability of Rivers State is crucial to the state and the country and should, therefore, saved from violence.
The association advised: “We reiterate that the independence of the judiciary is crucial to the sustenance of peace and stability in the state, as contending parties ultimately resort to the judiciary for the resolution of disputes as has recently been witnessed at the Supreme Court.
“There is no need to escalate tensions, as the stability of Rivers
State is crucial to the economy of the state and the country. We can easily recall the incidences in 2014 to 2015, which exposed the Judiciary and Judicial Officers that resulted in the closure of our Courts.
“We cannot afford to experience a similar occurrence in the present times we find ourselves in the state, and especially for the interests of the good people of Rivers State to have their on-going matters in court without interruptions.
“Every action in the public service has a prescribed procedure which all should respect and observe to forestall chaos and anarchy in the State.”
It went on: “In the case of the judiciary, any complaint against one of its officers is dealt with by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which alone has the authority to carry out any disciplinary action or authorize any investigation against any judge.
“The role of security agencies is clearly defined, and they also must respect due process and work within the ambit of the law.
“It is, therefore, advised that the judiciary should not be intimidated into succumbing to blackmail, bullying or political pressure in the discharge of their duties.
“The need for the protection of the judiciary cannot be overemphasized, as the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed, everyone, including politicians.
“We continue to appeal to all contenders to sheath their swords and genuinely seek peace in the interest of Rivers State and the economy of Nigeria at large.”
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