15th March, 2025
The attention of the 8 branches of the NBA in Rivers State, has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th of March, 2025 directing the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate the Rivers State Chief Judge on allegations of falsification of age. It is quite unfortunate, that despite the already heated polity in Rivers State, we are still experiencing escalations such as this.
We recognize the Constitutional powers and roles of the three Arms of Government in the State. We also recognize the need for these Arms of Government to work in synergy for the peace, progress and development of the State. Thus, there is need for mutual respect amongst all the parties. We are not unaware of the existing political impasse between the Legislature and the Executive Arms of Government in Rivers State, however, we must caution that the Judiciary should not be drawn into the ongoing imbroglio for no just cause.
We reiterate that the independence of the Judiciary is crucial to the sustenance of peace and stability in the State, as contending parties ultimately resort to the Judiciary for the resolution of disputes as has recently been witnessed at the Supreme Court. There is no need to escalate tensions as the stability of Rivers State is crucial to the economy of the State and the Country. We can easily recall the incidences in 2014 — 2015 which exposed the Judiciary and Judicial Officers that resulted in the closure of our Courts. We cannot afford to experience a similar occurrence in the present times we find ourselves in the State, and especially for the interests of the good people of Rivers State to have their on-going matters in Court without interruptions.
Every action in the Public Service has a prescribed procedure which all should respect and observe to forestall chaos and anarchy in the State. In the case of the Judiciary, any complaint against one of its officers is dealt with by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which alone has the authority to carry out any disciplinary action or authorize any investigation against any Judge.
The role of Security agencies is clearly defined, and they also must respect due process and work within the ambit of the Law. It is therefore, advised that the Judiciary should not be intimidated into succumbing to blackmail, bullying or political pressure in the discharge of their duties.
The need for the protection of the Judiciary cannot be overemphasized, as the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed everyone, including politicians. We continue to appeal to all contenders to sheath their swords and genuinely seek peace in the interest of Rivers State and the economy of Nigeria at large.
Long live the Nigeian Bar Association of Nigeria!
Long live Rivers State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs.),
Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch _______________________________
Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire (Ph.D),
Chairman Ahoada Branch _______________________________
Simple Dioha, Esq.,
Chairman, Isiokpo Branch _______________________________
Abiye A. Abo, Esq.
Chairman, Degema Branch ____________________________________
Dr. N. A. Duson,
Chairman, Bori Branch ____________________________________
Dr. Celestine N. Nwankwo,
Chairman, Okehi Branch _____________________________________
Tamunosiki A. Roberts, Esq.,
Chairman, Okrika Branch ______________________________________
Ekeledinichukwu Ordu, Esq.,
Chairman, Omoku Branch ______________________________________
See attached document below
Body of Chairmen Letter of 13th March, 2025
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