Fresh concerns have been raised over an alleged attempt by pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers to compromise the judiciary and influence court judgments. This accusation was made by the Citizens Advocacy Against Corruption (CAAC) during a press conference in Abuja. The group claimed that these political actors are trying to buy court rulings, which could undermine citizens’ confidence in the judiciary and affect their rights and freedoms.
This controversy follows the political acrimony over Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s replacement of local council chairmen after their tenure ended. The replaced councils were loyal to former Governor Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Similarly, lawmakers loyal to Wike were also ousted from the Rivers State Assembly before the replacement of local government chairmen.
The CAAC expressed alarm over what they describe as “untoward scheming by desperate political gladiators,” who are allegedly compromising the judiciary to achieve their aims. The group warned that such actions could be detrimental to the citizens and called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to take action against any judge who allows themselves to be improperly influenced.
Additionally, the CAAC voiced concerns that the transfer of court cases might be a tactic to delay proceedings, allowing former lawmakers to continue presenting themselves as legislators, potentially sparking a crisis in Rivers State. They suspect that the transfers could be an effort to find a judge or court to issue a favorable ruling.
The group urged Nigerians to stay vigilant and ensure that the judiciary remains free from political interference, emphasizing the crucial role of the public in upholding justice.