A group, the Coalition of Lawyers Against Injustice, has decried the overturn of the decision of another court, sacking PDP lawmakers for decamping to APC.
Specifically, the group cited a High Court ruling which was overturned.
A statement on Tuesday signed by Moses Okino, President, Coalition of Lawyers for Injustice said this is brazen affront on the judiciary’s integrity and the rule of law, saying it is unacceptable and warrants collective condemnation.
“It is an elementary legal principle that a lower court cannot review or overturn the decision of another lower court or a court of concurrent jurisdiction. This fundamental tenet of our legal system is being recklessly disregarded by the APC in Rivers State, who seem hell-bent on ridiculing the judiciary and undermining our democracy.
“We are appalled by the APC’s blatant disregard for the judicial process and their resort to self-help, which can only be described as a wicked assault on the very fabric of our legal system. This egregious behavior will not only erode public trust in the judiciary but also project Nigeria as a laughing stock before the international community.
“We are particularly concerned about the allegations of bribery and lack of jurisdiction leveled against the judge, which are serious issues that require thorough investigation”.
The group therefore, urged the APC and the former Rivers State Assembly members to desist from what it called destructive path and respect the sanctity of the judiciary. “The courts must be allowed to function without intimidation or manipulation, and the rule of law must be upheld at all costs”.
Additionally, the statement implored the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, and all well-meaning stakeholders to rise up against this affront to legal system and defend the integrity of the judiciary.
“We will not stand idle while our democracy is imperiled by the APC’s antics. We demand respect for the judiciary and the rule of law, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that this demand is met” the statement concluded.
