A group of concerned lawyers,The Coalition of Lawyers Against Injustice,has reacted to the recent developments in Rivers State, where a High Court ruling overturned the decision of another court, sacking PDP lawmakers for decamping to APC. The Group which described the development as brazen affront to the judiciary’s integrity and the rule of law, said the situation is unacceptable and deserved collective condemnation.
“It is an elementary legal principle that a lower court cannot review or overturn the decision of another lower court or a court of concurrent jurisdiction. This fundamental tenet of our legal system is being recklessly disregarded by the APC in Rivers State, who seem hell-bent on ridiculing the judiciary and undermining our democracy.
“We are appalled by the APC’s blatant disregard for the judicial process and their resort to self-help, which can only be described as a wicked assault on the very fabric of our legal system. This egregious behavior will not only erode public trust in the judiciary but also project Nigeria as a laughingstock before the international community.
“We are particularly concerned about the allegations of bribery and lack of jurisdiction leveled against the judge, which are serious issues that require thorough investigation.
“We, therefore, urge the APC and the former Rivers State Assembly members to desist from this destructive path and respect the sanctity of the judiciary. The courts must be allowed to function without intimidation or manipulation, and the rule of law must be upheld at all costs”the group said.
The group therefore in a statement signed by its President ,Moses Okino, implored the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, and all well-meaning stakeholders to rise up against this affront to Nation’s legal system and defend the integrity of the judiciary.
“We will not stand idly by while our democracy is imperiled by the APC’s antics. We demand respect for the judiciary and the rule of law, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that this demand is met”the group concluded.
