The Coalition of Lawyers against Injustice has strongly criticized the APC in Rivers State for their alleged attempts to undermine democracy and belittle the judiciary. The group, led by President Moses Okino, Esq., expressed their outrage over a recent High Court ruling that overturned the decision to remove PDP lawmakers who defected to the APC.
The coalition condemned the APC’s actions as a direct assault on the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law, accusing the party of disregarding legal principles. They also raised concerns about allegations of bribery and questioned the judge’s jurisdiction, urging for a thorough investigation.
In a statement, the lawyers called on the APC and former Rivers State Assembly members to respect the sanctity of the judiciary and allow the courts to function independently, without any form of intimidation or manipulation.
“It is a basic legal principle that a lower court cannot overturn the decision of another lower court or a court of concurrent jurisdiction. The APC in Rivers State is shamelessly disregarding this fundamental tenet of our legal system, aiming to ridicule the judiciary and undermine our democracy,” stated the president of the coalition.
The lawyers further emphasized that the APC’s blatant disregard for the judicial process and their resort to self-help only serves to weaken public trust in the judiciary and tarnish Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
The coalition also called upon the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, and other stakeholders to defend the integrity of the judiciary and uphold the rule of law.
President Okino affirmed that the Coalition of Lawyers against Injustice is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure respect for the judiciary and the rule of law. He warned that the actions of the APC could erode public trust in the judiciary and make Nigeria a subject of ridicule on the global stage.
“The recent developments in Rivers State, where a High Court ruling overturned the decision to remove PDP lawmakers for defecting to the APC, are an unacceptable affront to the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law. As concerned lawyers, we condemn this brazen act,” stated President Okino.
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