The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned vehemently and described as unacceptable, the act of the thugs who attacked the premises of the High Court of Rivers State, Port Harcourt Judicial Division and thereby destroying properties and leaving several persons injured.
According to a statement released in Abuja on Monday, 14th May, by the general secretary of the Association, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, and made available to Theportcitynews.com, it stated that the attention of the Nigerian Bar was drawn to an attack on the premises of the High Court of Rivers State, Port-Harcourt Judicial Division on Friday 11th May 2018 by certain persons alleged to be hired thugs who in the course of the attack obstructed the course of justice, damaged properties and left some persons within the court premises injured with the intention to disrupt the delivery of a ruling in the matter of the APC wards congress that was expected to hold in Port Harcourt on Saturday May 12, 2018.
“The height of the attack was said to be when a sitting judge was chased out of the court premises by these thugs. This act is an attempt to ridicule the judiciary and also to undermine the integrity and powers of the Judiciary and same shall not be tolerated in any manner,” the statement read.
“NBA is therefore urging the Inspector General of Police to constitute a high powered special investigation team into the matter to ensure that those who were involved and their sponsors in this highly reprehensible invasion of the premises of Rivers State Judiciary, Portharcourt Judicial Division, be identified and brought to face the wrath of the law as this act is not acceptable in any civilized society.
“We sympathise with the Acting Chief Judge of Rivers State Hon. Justice I.A. Iyayi-Lamikanra on this act that tried to impede and diminish the integrity and confidence of the people in the Rivers State Judiciary.
“The NBA issues a stern warning to all politicians and their aides not to involve the judiciary in whatever political mess that exists between them. The Judiciary is the hope of a common man, the last resort for justice and an epitome of the rule of law and as such should not be forcefully joined into the political partisanship. All political office holders are enjoined to settle their differences within the ambit of the law and allow justice to prevail in accordance with the already laid down court procedures,” the statement added.
Aare Isiaka Olagunju, further stated that the NBA will continue to reiterate its commitment to peace, safety, and security of the nation, as well as preserving the dignity and respect of the Judiciary.
