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Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad
By Anthony Maliki
The Conference of Harmonised Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (COHCSON), has raised an alarm over an alleged plan to subvert the country’s judicial system by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Yoruba Nation agitators.
COHCSON in a press conference by its Chairman, Oduma Richard Oduma on Tuesday in Abuja, said both IPOB and Yoruba Nation agitators were “resorting to blackmail and intimidation to hoodwink the judges into granting them unmerited judicial favours.”
COHCSON said the recent judgment by Oyo State high court which awarded N20 billion in favour of Sunday Igboho and the N5 billion suit instituted by IPOB in Abia State were suspect.
“It has become obvious that IPOB intends to use its violence stricken sit-at-home enforcement style to force the judges to do their bidding,” it stated.
It appealed to judges and lawyers to resist any temptation that may influence them to betray their secret oath of office in the overall interest of the country.
“No amount of inducement should entice any patriot to endanger the lives of over two hundred million Nigerians. Judges and lawyers who administer justice should be reminded that the survival of nations depends on the patriotism of the citizens,” it said.
COHCSON also appealed to Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad to caution chief judges of states to monitor developments within their jurisdiction in the interest of the country and integrity of the judiciary.
“We request the chief judge of Abia state to reassign the suit filed by IPOB lawyers at the Abia high court or the Judge should recuse himself.
“We do not have confidence in a few identified judges to sit on the cases in question. Available evidence suggests glaring judicial bias and solidarity for one party, IPOB and Yoruba nation agitators as well as politicians,” it said.
