Dickson, Ayade, Emmanuel, Wike and Okowa. |
An
emergency meeting of the governors of the states of the South South
geopolitical zone, held at the Bayelsa State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja on Sunday,
January 13, 2019.
The
meeting, called at the instance of the Governor of Bayelsa State, the
Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, who is also Chairman of the South South
Governors Forum, was attended by the Governors of Cross River State, Rivers,
Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.
The
meeting deliberated on the recent happenings at the Supreme Court involving the
Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen and resolved that the
action against him constitutes a setback to the gains of the nation’s
democratic experience of 20 years.
We
note that under Section 158(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the National Judicial
Council, has ample powers to deal exhaustively with matters pertaining to
allegations of misconduct and discipline of Judicial officers. Specifically,
the NJC has the powers and clear procedures for investigating allegations, and
recommending appropriate sanctions or disciplinary measures against judicial
officials as a matter of first instance before any further steps.
The
judicial pronouncements ina the cases of FGN Vs Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the
Supreme Court (January 9, 2018) and Justice Ngajinwa Vs FGN 2017 at the CCT
have given validation to the express provisions of the constitution on this
issue.
We
note that the attempt to drag the CJN to the CCT is also a grave and dangerous
escalation of the assault on institutions of state including the National
Assembly and the judiciary
We
believe that the President, Muhammadu Buhari has a constitutional
responsibility and huge moral obligation to defend our democracy.
Therefore,
we consider this step, which is directly aimed at humiliating the nation’s
highest judicial officer and a prominent son of the region, as totally
unacceptable as it is reflective of the South South story of endless
marginalization and intimidation. The unceremonious removal of former Acting Director
General of the Department of State Service, Mathew Seiyefa and his replacement
is still very fresh.
We
note that the unfortunate action against the CJN further reinforces the
perception that the Buhari administration has no regard for the sentiments of
Nigerians, in particular the people of Niger Delta, and the rule of law
It
is a fact that this administration has a penchant for flagrant disobedience of
and disregard for legitimate and valid court orders.
We
expect President Buhari to know that democracy cannot survive without respect
for the constitution, strict adherence to the rule of law, and separation of
powers as enshrined in the constitution.
We
strongly believe that the regrettable development at the Supreme Court at this
critical time, when preparations for the general elections are wobbling (with
serious concern about INEC and security agencies) is capable of causing
avoidable anxiety, tension and possible breakdown of law and order in the
country.
We
note further that the action undermines confidence not only in the judiciary
but also the electoral process that has already commenced, in view of the
pivotal role that the judiciary plays in the process of electoral adjudication.
We
affirm President Buhari should know that the continuous assault on critical
institutions of state is a defining feature of a dictatorship, and that the
President is obliged to live up to his word that he is a born-again democrat,
as he assured Nigerians in 2015.
Based
on the foregoing, we hereby call on the President:
1)
To condemn without any equivocation, this assault on the CJN and the judiciary
especially coming after similar assaults on the National Assembly, to save the
country from this embarrassment and global contempt.
2)
We call on the CJN to ignore this so-called Court summon from the CCB and the
provocative call for his resignation in some quarters.
While
we are not opposed to a genuine fight against corruption, such an action must
always be anchored on the rule of law.
We
also decry the massive buildup of arms by APC leaders and members across the
Niger Delta with the intent to cause mayhem and a general breakdown of law and
order during the elections.
Dated
this day January 13, 2019
Signed.
The
Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State
HE
Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State
HE,
Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, Governort of Cross River State
HE
Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State
HE
Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State.
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