Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, has expressed concern over the apparent disregard for the law by Nigerian judges.
In a recent post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Odinkalu questioned a court order issued by the High Court of Rivers State in Degema Judicial Division.
The court order, which was made on June 10, 2024, in a suit filed by Hyacinth Wosa Amadi, Comrade Godspower Obuah, Tonye Datonye, and Barikpe Gibson Eenyie against Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and others, has raised eyebrows due to its seemingly contradictory nature.
In his post, Odinkalu stated, “Our judges in #Nigeria don’t even pretend to apply law anymore. Someone pls help me explain the orders in this case….!” He went on to highlight the specific points of contention in the court order.
The order, which was signed by Hon. Justice Dr. O. David Gbasam, dismissed the suit for want of jurisdiction while simultaneously joining the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) as the 4th Defendant. It also dismissed the Claimants’ case for lacking in merit.
Odinkalu’s criticism stems from the apparent inconsistency in the court’s rulings. He questioned how a case could be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction and, at the same time, be dismissed on its merits.
The court order has sparked a broader debate about the state of the Nigerian judiciary and the need for judges to adhere to legal principles and ensure consistency in their rulings.
Odinkalu’s comments have drawn attention to the issue and have prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency in the judicial system.
As a respected voice in the legal community, Odinkalu’s criticism carries weight and has reignited discussions about the need for judicial reform in Nigeria.
Credit: The Nigeria Lawyer