“Judiciary Not Living up to Expectations”, Wike

Okehie Tochi

Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, has insisted that the judiciary is not living up to its expectation in the country.

Wike said: “It is unfortunate that the Judiciary is not living up to expectation. I should not be one of those who should be criticising it. But, I am saying what is the reality.

“Any Judge that does not have the mind and courage, should not be a Judge. So, National Judicial Council (NJC) should look at people, look at the Judges, can they be courageous to do what is right?”

Wike spoke at the swearing in of Justice Ihenacho Wilfred Obuzor as the Acting President of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal, at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.

He said the State Government would not allow any courageous and bold Judge in the State to be blackmailed.

“People must do things according to law. But, if you go outside the law and you’re punished, count me out. But, if you’re within the law and anybody thinks that because he has people to punish you, he can, Rivers State Government will not agree to it”, he said.

Governor Wike also said that all capital entitlements captured in the 2021 budget of the State that was due to the Judiciary, had been released to it.

He advised against division among judicial officers, because it would weaken the strength of the Judiciary
Wike expressed shock at the death of the former President of Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal, late Justice Christiana Gabriel-Nwankwo. The Governor described Justice Gabriel-Nwankwo as one of the State’s distinguished jurists, who used their knowledge and skills to advance justice delivery.