By John Ogunsemore

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cautioned warring political actors in Rivers against dragging the judiciary into the ongoing imbroglio in the state.

The chairmen of the eight branches of NBA in Rivers State stated this in a press statement released on Monday in reaction to the resolution of the State House of Assembly directing the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi for age falsification.

The press statement was jointly signed by Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs) Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch; Hilda Desmond-lhekaire (PhD), Chairman Ahoada Branch; Simple Dioha, Esq., Chairman, Isiokpo Branch; Abiye A. Abo, Esq., Chairman, Degema Branch; and Dr. N.A. Duson, Chairman, Bori Branch.

Others are Dr Celestine N. Nwankwo, Chairman, Okehi Branch; Tamunosiki A. Roberts, Esq., Chairman, Okrika Branch; and Ekeledinichukwu Ordu, Esq., Chairman, Omoku Branch.

The chairmen called for mutual respect between the three arms of government in the state, noting that the independence of the judiciary is crucial to the sustenance of peace and stability in the state.

They warned against dragging the judiciary into the political imbroglio in the state, emphasising that they would not allow another shutdown of courts in the state.

The statement reads, “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.

“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 incidents 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 ongoing matters in Court without interruptions.”

The chairmen added, “Every action in the Public Service has a prescribed procedure which alI 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 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.”