LAGOS—The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, yesterday, gave the Federal Government, through the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police, a 30-day ultimatum to thoroughly investigate the bombing of the Rivers State High Court premises in Ahoada and Okehi.
Similarly, former President of the association, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, supported the position of the NBA, saying that “it is high time the issue of threat and terrorism is controlled and curbed. I fully endorse the decision of the NBA.”
Prof Itse Sagay, SAN, on his part, said: “It is obvious that the people behind this are not just desperate, but they are also fascists, who have no respect for human lives and due process.
They want to intimidate the people, their political opposition turn them to onlookers, so that they can do whatever they want with our lives. They have gone further to also intimidate the judiciary, the third arm of government. For me, it is the height of irresponsibility. So, let them look for them (perpetrators) so that they can face justice.”
Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome also threw his weight behind the decision of NBA.
He expressed concern over the fact that politics has assumed a dangerous and murderous dimension in the country, culminating in the bombing of a court.
Also, United Progressive Party, UPP and Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, faulted the bombing of the courts in Rivers State.
On his part, Senator Magnus Abe, representing Rivers South East senatorial district, described the security situation in the state as near anarchy.
Issuing the ultimatum through a statement signed by its President, Mr Okey Wali, SAN, the NBA said: “We condemn these acts of brigandage and view them not only as sacrilegious, but also as a desecration of the temple of justice. On no account, will we ever, idly stand by and watch these acts of violence and impunity to our courts, which are tantamount to an affront to the rule of law and threat to our democracy.
“This underscores the need for government to take the security of lives and property more seriously. The lackadaisical attitude accorded to the security of our courts nationwide, is now brought to the fore. The need to secure the premises of the hallowed courts of justice across the nation should be taken more seriously.”
NBA called on the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police to employ all security apparatuses at their disposal, to unearth the culprits and bring them to Justice, adding “we will not and cannot, be satisfied with the usual mantra of, ‘the Police investigation is continuing.’ We demand an immediate and thorough investigation and expect a report, even if, interim, within 30 days of the date of the incidents. Attacks on our courts will not be swept under the carpet.” Continue reading…
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