The Civil Society of Nigeria has expressed concerns about the partisan role of some judges of the Federal High Court Abuja. They claim that these judges have taken personal interest in River State, its House of Assembly, political parties, local government elections, and other related matters. They have consistently presented their orders from politically intended viewpoints without recursing to the provisions of the law in the process. They have abused their discretionary powers and interacted orders by dishing out ex parte orders recklessly.
The Civil Society of Nigeria commends Justice IPC Igwe for his recent judgment mandating the River State independent electoral commission to conduct local government elections on October 5th. This decision aligns with the Supreme Court ruling that mandates all states to hold elections for local government area chairman and counsellors within three months. However, they are deeply concerned about the trend of partisanship among some judges, particularly those dealing with cases related to River State matters.
The Civil Society calls upon the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take immediate action by suspending John T. Tsoho, the chief judge of the federal High Court Abuja, along with Justice Peter Lifu. Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Omotosho. Their actions and decisions raise serious questions about the impartiality and commitment to justice. They also urge the NJC to order a physical audit of over 2023 cases that Justice Tsoho has explicitly assigned to these Pro-Wike Justices.
The Civil Society of Nigeria urges the newly elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association Chief Afam Osigwe and all members of the legal profession to take a stand against these infractions of the Federal High Court Abuja.
The NBA must uphold justice and integrity by opposing these infractions by Justice Peter and his condescending judgements concerning River State matters. These judges have aligned with specific political interests, which is unacceptable. The NBA should issue a directive urging lawyers to boycott any court case proceeding by Justice Lifu concerning River State matters.
Justice Lifu’s recent judgment in a case involving AP, a member of the Coalition of United Political Parties, cited Justice Zango’s decision in suit number FCH ABJ SLC SL CS 9782 2024, where the judge concluded that the court cannot create a different channel of reasoning different from the established precedence, resulting in judicial confusion, conflict of interest, and judicial impertinence.
Justice Lifu also purported to direct The Independent National electoral commission not to release voter registers for the conduct of local government elections. This raises questions about the impartiality and commitment to fair legal practices in Nigeria.
The Civil Soceity of Nigeria will take further steps by writing a petition to international bodies, advocating for Visa ban against politically biased judges and calling for their names to be placed on the International Alternate List. We will also investigate the life size of these judges and their family members abroad, especially their spending on property jewellery and stocks.
In conclusion, the NBA must embody justice and integrity by vocally opposing infractions by Justices of the high court in Abuja especially cases concerning River State matters.
