Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has been condemned by a socio-political group, The Niger Delta Conscience Alliance Forum(TNDCAF), for alleged disregard for judicial hierarchical order in the state while appointing the new Chief Judge of the state.

In a communique released through the group convener, Comrade Ifeanyi Tarelayefa, and made available to Daily Independent, the group condemned the governor for allegedly jettisoning justice, fairness and equity while choosing the CJ.

According to the communiqué, “As the number one citizen of the state and also as the custodian of the laws of the state, he is expected to uphold the laws and tenets of the state and in doing so, he must set aside sentiment or favoritism and ensure that, while merit is encouraged, justice, fairness and equity are also imbibed.”

The group alleged that the governor ignored the hierarchical order of the Rivers State Judicial structure and jumped two candidates, who were lawfully and rightfully due to be considered for the office of the Chief Judge, for the fifth ranked person, Justice Amadi Simeon Chibuzor, describing this as “a gross violation of the laws that guide the system.”

TNDCAF described the governor’s decision as “a reckless and blatant disregard of the existing structure, one which must not be found amongst people who have been vested with power by the people.”

Alleging the governor of nepotism, the leader of the group, Comrade Ifeanyi said Governor Wike overlooked other candidates to pick his favourite because of ethnical affiliation.

According to Comrade Ifeanyi, “This move clearly sends the wrong message to the larger society, the judiciary is a sacred institution which is meant to be not just a custodian of the people’s law but also its interpreter; for such contempt to have been done at the very corridor upon which our laws are held undermines the very values and essence which binds us as a federating unit.

“This is an injustice which has been done by the Governor, one which must be corrected by all means else we set a bad precedent for the ones to follow.

“For history to treat us right, we must ensure that we write the present well and this involves doing the right thing irrespective of the situation involved.” (Daily INDEPENDENT)

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