In a recent statement reported by the Nigerian Tribune, the Concerned Niger Delta Vanguard, a group from the Niger Delta region, has penned an open letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, alleging a supposed effort by former lawmakers to undermine the judiciary.
The group expressed concerns regarding the recent transfer of cases involving the defection of 26 state lawmakers in Rivers State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They argued that this transfer has raised huge doubts about the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process.
Signed jointly by Dr. Ekandem Umoh, Oghenekaro Francis, Pastor Paul James, Obong Martins Ekarika, Sir Godhead Sylva, and Chika Okpobiri, the letter highlighted their concerns that the transfer order could potentially undermine established legal principles and previous court rulings.
They stated that such actions create a perception that the judiciary is susceptible to individual influence and petition-driven manipulation.
The group urged the Chief Justice to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the transfer order.
They called for the CJN to reaffirm the judiciary’s determinations to upholding the rule of law and to ensure the preservation of the original court assignments.
Expressing confidence in Justice Ariwoola’s dedication to justice and fairness, the Concerned Niger Delta Vanguard reiterated their plead for an inquiry into what they perceive as a threat to the judiciary’s impartiality.
They stressed the importance of maintaining public trust in the judiciary, particularly in matters as sensitive as legislative defections and their legal implications.
The group concluded their letter by urging urgent action from the Chief Justice to address their concerns and restore confidence in the judicial process, underlining the critical role of an independent judiciary in upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“We are concerned that the recent transfer of cases involving the defection of 26 state lawmakers in Rivers State from the PDP to the APC has raised serious concerns about the integrity of our judicial process. This transfer order has the potential to undermine established legal principles and the rulings of previous courts, creating a perception that the judiciary is susceptible to individual influence and petition-driven manipulation,” the letter read.