- HURIWA urged the US, UK, and EU to impose visa bans on judges undermining democracy in Rivers State, threatening Nigeria’s stability
- The group submitted formal petitions highlighting biased judicial rulings favoring political figures, particularly against Chief Judge John Tsoho and Justice Abdulmalik
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union to impose visa bans on judges accused of undermining democracy in Rivers State.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, revealed that the group had formally petitioned foreign embassies to address what it described as the “judicial emasculation of constitutional democracy” in Rivers State.
He warned that the situation threatens Nigeria’s stability, particularly in the country’s key crude oil-producing region.
The petitions accuse judges of issuing rulings that favour powerful political figures over justice. Onwubiko specifically mentioned Chief Judge John Tsoho, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, and Justice Peter Lifu, claiming their verdicts often align with political interests.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja highlighted and issued one controversial ruling. The judgment halted federal revenue allocations to Rivers State based on allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the 2024 budget to only four lawmakers instead of the full legislative assembly.
To raise global awareness, Onwubiko announced plans for an international event titled “Judicial Emasculation of Constitutional Democracy in Rivers State, Nigeria.”
The event, which will take place later this year in Brisbane, Australia, aims to spotlight judicial actions that affect democracy in Rivers State.
HURIWA’s move reflects growing concerns over judicial independence and its impact on governance in Nigeria.