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When state high court was locked by my predecessor, Jumbo was deputy judge of customary court– Wike

opera.com 2025/2/9

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed strong reservations about the credibility of Justice Stephen Jumbo following a controversial ruling that nullified the Rivers State PDP Congress. Wike’s concerns stem from past experiences and alleged irregularities involving the judge during his tenure as governor of Rivers State.

In a report by TVC, while reflecting on his time in office, Wike recalled his opposition to Justice Jumbo's judicial appointment. He stated that he had resisted Jumbo’s confirmation as Chief Judge due to unresolved questions about his conduct. This resistance, he explained, was rooted in concerns about the judge’s role during a period of dysfunction in the state judiciary, particularly when the state high court was shut down under the previous administration.

Wike shared troubling details about financial practices he encountered upon assuming office as governor. He alleged that funds meant for the judiciary were being mismanaged, with judges reportedly divided into factions and receiving allowances based on perceived loyalty. He specifically pointed to Justice Jumbo's involvement, which led to an indictment by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) over expenditures incurred during the court’s closure.

To address these issues, Wike took decisive steps, including writing to the National Judicial Council (NJC) to prevent Jumbo’s return to office. His actions, he explained, were aimed at maintaining the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring accountability for the funds misused during the court’s inactivity.

However, Wike expressed frustration over recent developments following his departure as governor. He claimed that the current administration had reversed his efforts by ceasing opposition to Justice Jumbo’s appeal, which subsequently paved the way for his reinstatement. This, Wike argued, raised serious questions about the political motivations driving such decisions.

In his criticism, Wike suggested that recent rulings by Justice Jumbo may be politically influenced, particularly those that appear to favor Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in judicial processes to preserve public trust in the legal system.

According to him: "When the NJC recommended him as CJ, I refused that he would not be sworn in. When the state high court was locked up by my predecessor, this judge was the deputy chief judge of the customary court of appeal, Stephen Jumbo."

Watch the video from 01:25

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