Without an honest judge, democracy and the rule of law are at danger, says Wike

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State, has claimed that Nigeria’s democracy and rule of law are continuously in danger.

The Governor made this claim on Friday in Abuja during a lunch celebration for the retired Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Justice Abdul Aboki, who is the author of the book “Legal Paradigm in Nigeria: A New Direction in the Study of Law and Practice.”

He attributed the situation to the nation’s ongoing political unrest and demanded that the judiciary uphold its obligations.

Governor Wike added that “ineffective judicial performance” may be attributed to some judges’ lack of moral fiber and bravery as well as their failure to uphold the oath of office.

He asserts that “when it lies comatose and separated from the aspirations of the population for good governance, the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights, and the assurance of free and fair elections, the judiciary dies.”

“The judiciary dies when it is readily manipulated; when justice can be procured; when injustice is meted out instead of justice to the injured parties; or when self-help and other methods of remedy outside the law become the norm for citizens.”

However, Wike pointed out that people still think the judiciary can save the nation by providing justice and equity.

The judiciary must be able to assert itself without fear or favor, upholding the truth at all times, and standing up to any other force or principality that tries to undermine or supersede its constitutional duties, powers, and processes, he said.