An emergency
meeting of the governors of the states of the South South geopolitical zone,
held at the Bayelsa State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja on Sunday.
The meeting,
called at the instance of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson,
who is also Chairman of the South South Governors’ Forum, was attended by the
Governors of Cross River State, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.
The meeting
deliberated on the recent happenings at the Supreme Court, involving the Chief
Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen and resolved that the action
against him constitutes a setback to the gains of the nation’s democratic
experience of 20 years.
A communique
the governors jointly signed reads: “We note that under Section 158(1) of the
1999 Constitution, the National Judicial Council, has ample powers to deal
exhaustively with matters pertaining to allegations of misconduct and
discipline of Judicial officers. Specifically, the NJC has the powers and clear
procedures for investigating allegations, and recommending appropriate
sanctions or disciplinary measures against judicial officials as a matter of
first instance before any further steps.
“The judicial
pronouncements in the cases of FGN Vs Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme
Court (January 9, 2018) and Justice Ngajinwa Vs FGN 2017 at the CCT have given
validation to the express provisions of the constitution on this issue.
“We note
that the attempt to drag the CJN to the CCT is also a grave and dangerous
escalation of the assault on institutions of state including the National
Assembly and the judiciary
“We believe
that the President, Muhammadu Buhari has a constitutional responsibility and huge
moral obligation to defend our democracy.
“Therefore,
we consider this step, which is directly aimed at humiliating the nation’s
highest judicial officer and a prominent son of the region, as totally
unacceptable as it is reflective of the South South story of endless
marginalization and intimidation. The unceremonious removal of former Acting
Director General of the Department of State Service, Mathew Seiyefa and his
replacement is still very fresh.
“We note
that the unfortunate action against the CJN further reinforces the perception
that the Buhari administration has no regard for the sentiments of Nigerians,
in particular the people of Niger Delta, and the rule of law
“It is a
fact that this administration has a penchant for flagrant disobedience of and
disregard for legitimate and valid court orders.
“We expect
President Buhari to know that democracy cannot survive without respect for the
constitution, strict adherence to the rule of law, and separation of powers as
enshrined in the constitution.
“We strongly
believe that the regrettable development at the Supreme Court at this critical
time, when preparations for the general elections are wobbling (with serious
concern about INEC and security agencies) is capable of causing avoidable
anxiety, tension and possible breakdown of law and order in the country.
“We note
further that the action undermines confidence not only in the judiciary but
also the electoral process that has already commenced, in view of the pivotal
role that the judiciary plays in the process of electoral adjudication.
“We affirm
President Buhari should know that the continuous assault on critical
institutions of state is a defining feature of a dictatorship, and that the
President is obliged to live up to his word that he is a born-again democrat,
as he assured Nigerians in 2015.
“Based on
the foregoing, we hereby call on the President:
1) To
condemn without any equivocation, this assault on the CJN and the judiciary
especially coming after similar assaults on the National Assembly, to save the
country from this embarrassment and global contempt.
2) We call
on the CJN to ignore this so-called Court summon from the CCB and the
provocative call for his resignation in some quarters.
“While we
are not opposed to a genuine fight against corruption, such an action must
always be anchored on the rule of law.
“We also
decry the massive buildup of arms by APC leaders and members across the Niger
Delta with the intent to cause mayhem and a general breakdown of law and order
during the elections.
Dated this
day January 13, 2019
Signed
The
Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State
HE Nyesom
Wike, Governor of Rivers State
HE, Sen.
Prof. Ben Ayade, Governort of Cross River State
HE Udom
Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State
HE Sen. Dr.
Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State.
Comments