The Nigeria Law Association (NBA) has condemned the call of the House of the Assembly of the State of Rivers for the invitation of the State Department of Services (DSS) to investigate the main judge of the State, Judge Simeon Amadi on the falsification by accusation age.
He declared that it was constitutional responsibility of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to carry out or authorize the investigation against any wandering judge and, therefore, should be allowed to exercise its function.
The NBA declared that the Judiciary should not be intimidated to succumb to intimidation or political pressure in discharge of its duties.
The association affirmed its position in a resolution signed by the presidents of the eight branches of the NBA, in the state of Rivers, Monday.
In the resolution that was made available to Nigeria Tribune on Tuesday, the group of lawyers said it is quite unfortunate, that despite the policy already heated in the state of Rivers, residents are still experiencing more climbing, such as ordering the DSS to investigate the main judge.
The resolution declared: “The attention of the eight branches of the NBA in the state of Rivers has been attracted to a resolution approved by the House of the Assembly of the State of Rivers on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, ordering the State Security Department (DSS) to investigate the Chief Judge of the State of the State about the accusations of fingers of age.
“We recognize the constitutional powers and roles of the three weapons of the Government in the State. We also recognize the need for these weapons of government to work in synergy for peace, progress and development of the State.
“Therefore, mutual respect is necessary among all parties. We are not aware of the political impasse between the legislature and the executive weapons of the government in the state of Rivers. However, we must notice that the Judiciary should not be attracted by the current imbroglio for any fair cause.”
The NBA called that there should be no repetition of what happened between 2014 and 2015, when the Judicial Power was closed in the state of Rivers due to political disturbances.
He stressed that the stability of the state of the rivers is crucial to the State and the country and, therefore, should be saved from violence.
The Association advised: “We reiterate that the independence of the Judiciary is crucial for the support of peace and stability in the State, since the contending parties finally resort to the Judiciary by the resolution of disputes as it has recently been witnessed in the Supreme Court.
“There is no need to intensify tensions, since the stability of the state Rivers is crucial for the economy of the State and the country. We can easily remember the incidents in 2014 to 2015, which presented to the judicial and judicial officers that resulted in the closing of our courts.
“We cannot allow ourselves to experience a similar occurrence in current times, we are in the state, and especially for the interests of good villages of the state of Rivers to have their matters in progress in court without interruptions.
“Each action in the public service has a prescribed procedure that everyone must respect and observe to avoid chaos and anarchy in the state.”
He continued: “In the case of the Judiciary, any complaint against one of its officials is treated by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which only has the authority to carry out a disciplinary action or authorize any investigation against any judge.
“The role of security agencies is clearly defined, and must also respect due process and work within the scope of the law.
“Therefore, it is advised that the Judiciary does not intimidate to succumb to blackmail, harassment or political pressure in fulfilling its duties.
“The need for the protection of the Judiciary cannot be emphasized too much, since the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and in fact, all, including politicians.
“We continue appealing to all the contestants who wrap their swords and really seek peace in the interest of the state of Rivers and Nigeria's economy in general.”