HURIWA urges global action on judicial bias in Rivers State

In a determined campaign against perceived judicial misconduct, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union to impose visa bans on judges allegedly undermining democracy in Rivers State, a region crucial to Nigeria’s economic and political stability as its largest crude oil producer.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, disclosed that the organization has submitted formal petitions to Western embassies, spotlighting judicial decisions that appear skewed towards political interests.

The petitions name Chief Judge John Tsoho, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, and Justice Peter Lifu as individuals whose rulings allegedly compromised democratic principles.

Onwubiko highlighted a contentious decision by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who ordered a halt to federal revenue allocations to Rivers State. The ruling was linked to claims that Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the 2024 state budget to only four legislators instead of the full assembly.

HURIWA criticized this verdict as aligning with a political faction loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

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“This form of judicial overreach endangers Rivers State’s constitutional democracy and weakens public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary,” Onwubiko asserted, emphasizing the broader implications for Nigeria’s political and economic future.

To amplify its cause, HURIWA announced plans to host an international event in Brisbane, Australia, titled “Judicial Emasculation of Constitutional Democracy in Rivers State, Nigeria.”

Scheduled for late 2024, the event aims to unite global legal experts, human rights advocates, and international observers to discuss judicial impartiality in Nigeria.

Brisbane, renowned for its commitment to human rights advocacy, offers an ideal platform for this initiative. HURIWA’s international affiliates based in the city will lead efforts to raise global awareness about the judicial controversies affecting Rivers State.

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HURIWA’s campaign underscores the strategic importance of Rivers State, not only as an economic powerhouse but also as a bellwether for Nigeria’s democracy.

Onwubiko argued that judicial bias in the state threatens both political stability and investor confidence, deterring foreign investments vital for economic progress.

“Rivers State is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy. Judicial compromise here has far-reaching consequences, potentially destabilizing the nation’s democracy and economic landscape,” Onwubiko warned.

HURIWA is urging Western governments to impose targeted sanctions, including travel restrictions, on judges implicated in undermining democratic principles.

Citing precedents like the visa bans imposed on Nigerian justices following controversial Supreme Court rulings, Onwubiko expressed confidence that international pressure could restore judicial integrity in Rivers State.

“Rivers State deserves a judiciary that upholds justice without political interference. HURIWA remains committed to achieving this through all available legal and international means,” Onwubiko concluded.