Protest: Stop attacking judges over restriction orders, group cautions Odinkalu

A civil group, the Global Network for Justice and Equity, has called on Prof. Chidi Odinkalu to cease his frequent attacks against judges and the judiciary as a whole.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the group expressed concern that Odinkalu’s continuous denigration of the judiciary and judicial officers is detrimental to the nation and could lead to negative consequences.

The National Coordinator of the group, Makinde Moses, urged the law professor to address national issues with maturity and objectivity rather than emotional responses.

Responding to Odinkalu’s verbal attacks on Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Abuja High Court, who issued an order on July 31 restricting Abuja protesters to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, the organization expressed deep concern that Odinkalu failed to appreciate the wisdom in the judge’s decision.

Odinkalu had criticized Justice Oriji in media publications for granting an order that confined the August 1 protesters to the National Stadium. This decision followed a legal action filed by the FCT Minister to prevent the protesters from using Eagle Square and to avoid potential breaches at the Aso Rock Villa.

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According to the group, Justice Oriji’s decision was patriotic and aimed at protecting Abuja residents and the Federal Capital Territory from potential embarrassment, destruction of lives, and damage to public and private property that could be caused by hoodlums hijacking the protest.

The group’s statement read in part: “We have reviewed the publications and comments by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and his associates aimed at discrediting Hon. Justice S. C. Oriji of the High Court of FCT, Abuja.

“From these publications and comments, it is evident that Odinkalu and his associates did not grasp the Court’s ruling. It is crucial to present the facts accurately for the public’s benefit.

“As of July 31, 2024, the Judges of the High Court of FCT, Abuja, were on annual vacation. The Court remains on vacation. The Chief Judge of the High Court of FCT, Abuja, appointed Justice S. C. Oriji and four other judges to handle urgent matters as vacation judges.

“When the suit concerning the protest was filed by the FCT Minister on July 31, 2024, along with a motion ex parte for an interim injunction and a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction, Justice Oriji addressed it as a vacation judge.

“It is important to note that Justice Oriji did not grant the main request by the Minister to stop the protest. The court order includes the prayers.

“As stated in the order, the Court acknowledged the right of citizens to peaceful protests while also recognizing the constitutional rights of other citizens.

“The Court considered the facts before it to make a decision that would benefit the protesters, other citizens, and the entire country, particularly Abuja residents.

“One of the facts presented to the Court was a letter dated July 26, 2024, from Damilare Adenola (2nd defendant) on behalf of ‘Take it Back Movement, FCT’ to the FCT Minister (the applicant). The letter is attached for reference.

“In the letter, the protesters informed the FCT Minister of their intention to ‘use Eagle Square as a point of convergence.’ They also requested that ‘the outer wire mesh barrier facing the Aso Rock Villa be removed temporarily, as protesters might visit the Presidential Villa during the protest.’

“There is no doubt that if the Court had allowed the protesters to gather at Eagle Square, any attempt to enter the Presidential Villa would have been resisted by security agents, potentially resulting in severe casualties and loss of life.

“In these circumstances, we believe Justice S. C. Oriji acted appropriately and promptly by directing the protesters to assemble at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

“The judge granted their request to converge at a venue but not at Eagle Square as requested in their letter. The judge also instructed security agencies to protect the protesters.

“So, what wrong did the judge do? The truth must be acknowledged: the Hon. Judge should be commended rather than denigrated. In our view, which aligns with the opinions of well-meaning Abuja residents, the Court Order helped to reduce casualties, looting, and destruction of property during the protest,” the group stated.