The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union to impose visa bans on judges accused of undermining democracy in Rivers State, Nigeria’s largest crude oil-producing region.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated this during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday.
He noted that the initiative is part of a larger effort to combat the “judicial emasculation of constitutional democracy” in Rivers State which is threatening the stability of Nigeria’s political landscape.
He disclosed that formal petitions have been submitted to the embassies of the US, UK, and EU, calling attention to judicial rulings that appear to favour influential political figures.
Onwubiko stated that the petitions specifically name judges, including Chief Judge John Tsoho, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, and Justice Peter Lifu, whom he said delivered verdicts that align with political interests at the expense of justice in Rivers State.
Onwubiko highlighted a particularly ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which halted federal revenue allocations to Rivers State.
He stated that the decision was based on a controversial claim that Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the 2024 state budget to just four members of the legislature instead of the full assembly.
He argued that the ruling served the interests of a political faction allegedly loyal to former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Rivers State’s constitutional democracy is under direct threat from a judiciary that appears more aligned with political agenda than with the rule of law,” he said.
He noted that the judiciary’s perceived bias is undermining the faith of the Nigerian people in the country’s democratic institutions, especially in politically sensitive regions like Rivers State.
Meanwhile, Onwubiko announced that HURIWA is organising a high-profile international event in Brisbane, Australia, by the end of the year.
He added that the event, titled “Judicial Emasculation of Constitutional Democracy in Rivers State, Nigeria,” will focus on the judicial controversies impacting Rivers State.
“Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia, is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, economic significance, and commitment to human rights. The city, with a history that dates back to its establishment as a penal settlement in the 19th century, has become a hub for international discourse and cultural exchange. This makes it an ideal location for HURIWA’s global outreach.
“HURIWA’s international representatives and affiliates, who are based in Brisbane, will play a significant role in the event, which aims to bring together legal experts, human rights advocates, and international observers to discuss the implications of judicial partiality on Nigeria’s democracy. The goal is to raise global awareness and support for judicial independence in Nigeria, starting with Rivers State,” he said.