Rivers crisis : NJC asked to sanction judges issuing frivolous court orders

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has been urged to immediately sanction judges involved in the issuance of frivolous court orders and ex-parte injunctions in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), who made the call in a statement at the weekend, warned that such practices could jeopardize Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

The statement signed by HURIWA national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said : “The political turmoil in Rivers State, intensified by conflicting court orders from various judges, mirrors Nigeria’s troubled political history and threatens the stability of its democratic processes. In recent weeks, the state has seen a legal battle, with judges from Federal High Courts in Abuja issuing restraining orders that appear to destabilize the duly elected administration in Rivers State.”

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HURIWA highlighted that many of these orders are tainted by allegations of bribery, further eroding public trust in the judiciary.

The rights group warned that the judiciary is at risk of becoming a tool for political manipulation, with corrupt judges contributing to the erosion of democratic order.

“The judiciary must not be reduced to a pawn in political games,” Onwubiko stated. “There is a disturbing trend of judges, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, issuing reckless court orders aimed at destabilizing legitimate governments and undermining democratic processes.”

HURIWA called on the NJC, the body responsible for regulating the conduct of judges, to take swift and decisive action to address the growing corruption within the judiciary. The association insisted that judicial officers or lawyers found complicit in issuing or facilitating dubious court orders must face serious consequences.

“The NJC must rise to its responsibilities and ensure that corrupt judges are held accountable. This issue goes beyond Rivers State—it’s about the survival of our democracy. Judges who issue orders in exchange for bribes are not only breaking the law but also undermining the will of the people,” HURIWA emphasized.

HURIWA also urged the NJC to establish mechanisms to monitor the issuance of ex-parte and restraining orders in politically charged cases. This, the group said, would help safeguard the judiciary’s integrity and restore public confidence in the system.

The group also attributed judicial corruption to undue influence exerted by the executive branch on the judiciary.

HURIWA called on the National Assembly to urgently pass legislation prohibiting judges from receiving perks from the executive.

The group stressed that the judiciary’s independence is non-negotiable and must be fiercely protected to uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.

“The National Assembly must act to protect our democracy. We need laws that prevent judges from accepting gifts like land allocations from the executive. These gifts are not acts of generosity; they are political tools meant to manipulate the judiciary,” HURIWA said.