Joint Action for Democracy (JAD) has called on Nigerians to demand accountability from the judiciary to ensure its independence and uphold its reputation as the last hope of the common man.
The National Coordinator of JAD, Peter Ameh, made this statement in Port Harcourt, expressing concern over the diminishing trust in the judiciary, particularly following recent judgments regarding the political crisis in Rivers State.
Ameh lamented the contradictory judgments related to the crisis, noting that 27 Rivers lawmakers, led by Hon. Martin Amaewhule, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming there is overwhelming evidence to support this assertion. He questioned why the courts appeared to ignore such clear evidence, emphasizing that inconsistencies among courts of coordinate jurisdiction and evident political influence are undermining the essence of fairness and justice.
He alleged that politicians are now openly using the judiciary as a tool to eliminate their opponents and secure favorable judgments, urging the Supreme Court to restore the judiciary’s integrity by issuing verdicts grounded in facts.
Ameh stated, “Using the case of Rivers, JAD released a video showing Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 26 others of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom, voluntarily defected from their original political party without any established crisis within the party and swore to an affidavit to authenticate their defection.”
He continued, “We have seen how they still boast that they shall influence the judiciary in their favor. Nigerians, especially Rivers people, rely on the Supreme Court to set the record straight without any undue influence.”
Ameh concluded by asserting that the Supreme Court, as the highest decision-making body, is expected to protect the sanctity of Nigeria’s judicial system to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich Rivers State.