Rivers Crisis: Do Not Give Judgement That Would Bring Problems To The Country – NBA Warns Judges

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned judges to desist from delivering judgements that would portray the judiciary in a bad light.

The Association advised judges to ensure they uphold the rule of law while carrying out their duties.

The president of the NBA, Afam Osigwe (SAN), stated this while speaking to Punch.

Osigwe argued that every delivered judgment can affect the socio-economic situation of the country.

Naija News reports that in September, Justice. I. Igwe of the River State High Court in Port Harcourt ordered the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct the state local government elections using the 2023 voters’ register.

The judge also ordered the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence corps to provide necessary protection during the election process.

However, in another judgment, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja retrained the RSIEC from conducting the local government polls in the state.

The judge also barred the Inspector General of Police and the Department of the State Service from providing security for the purported election.

Speaking on the conflicting judgment, Osigwe said, “Judges should not give judgment that would portray court in a bad light and or bring about social and economic problems for the country.”