Rivers State, Nyesome Wike blasted the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for the body’s failure to condemn in the strongest of terms, the invasion of the Rivers State Judicial Complex by hoodlums allegedly backed by an opposition political party.
Wike, while speaking during the submission of reports by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the violent invasion of the State Judiciary Complex on 11 May, 2018, and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Violence, Killings and other Related Matters during the 2019 General Elections, express displeasure that the NBA refused to defend the sanctity of the Court.
Thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress, APC, had on May 11, 2018, invaded the judiciary complex to stop the court from giving an interlocutory injunction sort by a faction loyal to Senator Magnus Abe, to stop the planned congress of the party.
He said: “How can people invade the Court and the NBA did not submit a memorandum on the unfortunate incident.”
Wike who added that one of the reasons the country was not moving forward was because people refused to condemn evil, also said the NBA failed to take action to strengthen the Judiciary in the face of the invasion of the Court.
“NBA kept quiet and it is regrettable. If the NBA cannot work for the interest of the state, then it is not good”.
“Let me assure you that by the time that the Executive Council is fully constituted, we will make sure that the white paper comes out and the government will implement the recommendations,” he added.
Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the violent invasion of the State Judiciary Complex on 11 May April 2018, Justice Simeon Amadi said that the commission took steps to ensure that everybody is given a fair hearing.
He said that the report of the commission is in four volumes . Justice Amadi said that the Commission received 27 memoranda, 82 documents tendered, while 27 witnesses testified.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Violence, Killings and other Related Matters during the 2019 General Elections, Justice Monima Danagogo said that the Commission received 13 memoranda, 73 exhibits, while 21 witnesses testified.
He said that the report is in four volumes, with the commission concluding its work on schedule.
The two Judicial Commissions of Inquiry presented documentaries on the Highlights of their public sitting.
