By Fatima Saka
The Coalition of Lawyers Against Injustice, a collective of concerned legal professionals, feel compelled to address the recent events in Rivers State, where a High Court decision has overturned the ruling of another court, dismissing PDP lawmakers for switching to APC.
This blatant disrespect for the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law is intolerable and demands our united condemnation.
According to a press statement signed,Moses Okino, Esq President, Coalition of Lawyers Against Injustice, Tuesday.
The statement read: “It is a fundamental legal principle that a lower court cannot review or overturn the decision of another lower court or a court of concurrent jurisdiction.
“This foundational aspect of our legal system is being blatantly disregarded by the APC in Rivers State, as they appear determined to mock the judiciary and subvert our democracy.
“We are shocked by the APC’s open disregard for the judicial process and their inclination towards self-help, actions that can only be described as a malicious attack on the very essence of our legal system.
“This flagrant misconduct will not only undermine public confidence in the judiciary but also portray Nigeria as a subject of ridicule before the global audience.
“We are particularly troubled by the accusations of corruption and lack of jurisdiction directed at the judge, issues of grave concern that necessitate thorough investigation.”
Therefore, we urge the APC and the former members of the Rivers State Assembly to refrain from this harmful course of action and uphold the sanctity of the judiciary. The courts must be allowed to operate without coercion or manipulation, and the rule of law must be preserved at all costs.
The statement said: “We call upon the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, and all conscientious stakeholders to stand against this affront to our legal system and safeguard the integrity of the judiciary.
“We will not remain passive while our democracy is jeopardized by the APC’s maneuvers. We demand reverence for the judiciary and the rule of law, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure that this demand is heeded.”
