Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Centre for Constitutional Watch (CCW) has strongly criticized the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA)’s decision to relocate its upcoming conference from Rivers State amidst the ongoing political turmoil. The group is now calling on the NBA to take a much stronger stance by declaring a one-month boycott of all courts nationwide.
In a scathing statement released today, the CCW argued that simply moving the conference is an insufficient response to the “escalating political tensions” and the perceived “desecration of the constitution” in Rivers State.
“Relocating the conference is merely walking away from the heart of the crisis. Nigerians expected more. They expected resistance. They expected outrage,” the CCW stated. They further emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “You cannot applaud a doctor who simply walks away from a dying patient.”
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The CCW expressed deep concern over the silence of the judiciary in the face of the political unrest, stating, “Rivers state is under siege. The courts are silent. The Constitution is being desecrated in broad daylight. Yet, the supposed custodians of the law are making travel plans instead of leading the charge for justice.”
The call for a nationwide court boycott represents a significant escalation in the demands for the NBA to actively intervene and demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law in Rivers State. The CCW believes that such a drastic measure would send a powerful message and pressure relevant authorities to address the crisis.
The NBA is yet to officially respond to this latest demand from the Centre for Constitutional Watch. However, the pressure is mounting for the association to take more decisive action as the political situation in Rivers State continues to generate national concern.
