The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over the increasing issuance of frivolous court orders and ex-parte injunctions by judges, particularly in politically sensitive cases. Citing the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State as an example, HURIWA urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to immediately sanction judicial officers involved in these actions, warning that such practices could jeopardize Nigeria?s constitutional democracy.

The political turmoil In Rivers State, intensified by conflicting court orders from various judges, mirrors Nigeria?s troubled political history and threatens the stability of its democratic processes. In recent weeks, the state has seen a legal battle, with judges from Federal High Courts in Abuja issuing restraining orders that appear to destabilize the duly elected administration in Rivers State. HURIWA highlighted that many of these orders are tainted by allegations of bribery, further eroding public trust in the judiciary.

HURIWA?s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement on Saturday, warned that the judiciary is at risk of becoming a tool for political manipulation, with corrupt judges contributing to the erosion of democratic order. ?The judiciary must not be reduced to a pawn in political games,? Onwubiko stated. ?There is a disturbing trend of judges, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, issuing reckless court orders aimed at destabilizing legitimate governments and undermining democratic processes.?

HURIWA called on the NJC, the body responsible for regulating the conduct of judges, to take swift and decisive action to address the growing corruption within the judiciary. The association insisted that judicial officers or lawyers found complicit in issuing or facilitating dubious court orders must face serious consequences.

?The NJC must rise to its responsibilities and ensure that corrupt judges are held accountable. This issue goes beyond Rivers State ? it?s about the survival of our democracy. Judges who issue orders in exchange for bribes are not only breaking the law but also undermining the will of the people,? HURIWA emphasised.

HURIWA also urged the NJC to establish mechanisms to monitor the issuance of ex-parte and restraining orders in politically charged cases. This, the group said, would help safeguard the judiciary?s integrity and restore public confidence in the system.

The group also attributed judicial corruption to undue influence exerted by the executive branch on the judiciary. HURIWA cited a recent development where the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced plans to build 40 houses for justices of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and other senior judicial officers. Wike revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the construction, which includes retirement homes for the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court, FCT, and the President of the Court of Appeal.

HURIWA strongly condemned this move, labeling it a blatant example of the executive?s political capture of the judiciary. ?This is a dangerous precedent. When judges are gifted lands and houses by the executive, a conflict of interest compromises their independence. The allocation of Abuja lands as political patronage to judges is a trap designed to ensure their loyalty to the executive,? HURIWA warned.

In response, HURIWA called on the National Assembly to urgently pass legislation prohibiting judges from receiving such perks from the executive. The group stressed that the judiciary?s independence is non-negotiable and must be fiercely protected to uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.

?The National Assembly must act to protect our democracy. We need laws that prevent judges from accepting gifts like land allocations from the executive. These gifts are not acts of generosity; they are political tools meant to manipulate the judiciary,? HURIWA said.

The rights group also highlighted other recent examples of judicial interference in democratic processes, including the manipulation of internal party affairs and the issuance of conflicting rulings by courts of concurrent jurisdiction. These actions, HURIWA argued, undermine democracy and weaken the rule of law.

?We have witnessed courts interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, issuing conflicting rulings that throw the political system into chaos. This cannot continue. The judiciary should be the last hope of the common man, not a tool for politicians to disrupt governance and elections,? the statement read.

HURIWA called on the newly appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to immediately restore public confidence in the judiciary. ?The CJN must act swiftly to stem the tide of corruption and bribery within the judiciary. If these actions go unchecked, they will lead to the total collapse of our democratic system. We are at a critical moment where the survival of Nigeria?s constitutional democracy depends on the judiciary?s integrity,? HURIWA stated.

In conclusion, HURIWA warned that if no action is taken, the judiciary risks becoming completely subservient to political interests, effectively destroying the foundation of Nigeria?s democratic order.

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