A Civil Society Organization, Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and
Corruption (MIIVOC) has condemned the invasion of the residence of a Federal
High Court Judge in Rivers State by security operatives, describing it as
irresponsible, reports ITRealms.
MIIVOC's Executive Director, Dr. Walter Duru, made available to ITRealms in Port Harcourt, Saturday, warned
that security operatives in the country were putting the nation's democracy in
jeopardy and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call them to order.
"This latest development is a desecration of the sacred
institution of the Judiciary. If any member of the Bench is found wanting,
there are legal and civilized procedures. The laws of the land have made
sufficient provisions for disciplining of judicial officers and the gestapo
approach of the security agencies is NOT one of them, under the circumstance.
Why then do we have the NJC," he said.
Duru also expressed concern that the continued unconstitutional
conduct of security operatives could lead to anarchy, urging the APC-led
government to embrace the tenets of democracy in the interest of the country.
"Not even in the days of the Military did we experience
this kind of impunity. Reports of a threat on the life of the state governor,
Nyesom Wike is also shocking. Impunity is becoming a tradition and all well-
meaning Nigerians must speak out against this draconian display of brute force
and timidity. I am afraid that if this continues in Nigeria, there may be
lawlessness, as the citizens may resort to ways less than civil to check the
excesses of security operatives, thereby taking their destiny in their hands,
and when it degenerates to that level, the country is in trouble."
"Let the rights of every Nigerian be respected. Let the
rule of law be upheld. Let our democracy be respected and nobody, under
whatever guise should take us back to the dark days of Military dictatorship.
"The
Rivers State Police Commissioner and his DSS counterpart must be called to
order. Nigerians are hungry and groaning, as a result of inept leadership. This
daring move and sustained attacks on other arms of government is unacceptable. Let
the principle of separation of powers be respected.
"The least we expect from
the present administration is that they come up with creative ways of taking
the country out of recession, strengthen the legal framework against
corruption, refrain from selective justice, weed the administration of corrupt
elements and work towards fulfilling the electoral promises made to
Nigerians," Duru said.
MIIVOC chief said, "No amount of intimidation can silence
Nigerians. All we want is good governance and respect for the laws of the land"
and called for the reopening of hibernated high profile corruption cases.
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