RIVERS APC CRISIS: NBA Rivers State Chapter Demands Apology From Tony Okocha For Derogatory Remarks Against Judiciary

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State has issued a stern call for Tony Okocha, the recently dismissed Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, to immediately apologize to Justices Sika Aprioku, C.N. Wali, and G.O. Ollor of the Rivers State High Court for his alleged derogatory comments directed at the judiciary.

In a strongly-worded statement released by the chairpersons of the eight NBA branches across Rivers State, Okocha was accused of maligning the integrity of the judiciary by referring to it as a “supermarket” following his removal by Justice Aprioku’s ruling in a lawsuit filed by an APC chieftain. The NBA condemned Okocha’s comments, describing them as an attack on the judiciary’s independence and the legal profession.

The statement, signed by NBA Port Harcourt Branch Chair Cordelia Eke, Isiokpo Branch Chair Cashmia Ofurum, and six other branch leaders, underscored the apolitical nature of the judiciary.

The NBA emphasized that the judges adhere to a strict code of conduct, which includes limiting unnecessary public interactions, and called Okocha’s remarks both inappropriate and damaging.

“Using such offensive language not only undermines the judiciary but also erodes public confidence in our legal institutions,” the NBA leaders stated.

They urged Okocha to seek redress through proper legal channels rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric.

The association also appealed to the public and litigants to respect the judiciary’s role and refrain from harassing judges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of legal processes. The NBA reiterated that the proper response to unfavorable rulings should be through appeals, not public attacks.

The NBA’s call for an apology reflects its commitment to upholding the dignity and independence of the judiciary, especially in a time when legal institutions are crucial to maintaining law and order in the state.