A former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has sent out a warning to politicians against judicial blackmail stating that the judiciary should be allowed to perform its constitutional functions.
He also advised judicial officers to be firm and fearless in upholding the rule of law, noting that it was critical in the delivery of justice.
Dr. Jonathan spoke over the weekend at a book presentation as part of activities to bid farewell to Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, who was bowing out as Chief Judge.
While recalling the role Justice Abiri played to inaugurate Governor Nyesom Wike as Governor of Rivers State in 2015 and avert a constitutional crisis in the state, implored politicians not to be blinded by power.
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He said, ‘I advise politicians that while in office, let us not try to blackmail the judiciary because it is conservative. When we get political power, we get so blinded. Politicians should know that society is changing.
‘Today, we are celebrating our retiring Chief Judge because she has served meritoriously. In 2015, she left Bayelsa for Rivers to perform the swearing-in of the governor thereby averting anarchy. It appears that the judicial arm is more functional than the executive.’
Governor Douye Diri in his remarks as the host governor commended Justice Abiri for her outstanding achievements as Chief Judge of Bayelsa State for 15 years during which she swore in three governors in Bayelsa and one in Rivers State.
Jonathan had earlier in the year urged Nigerians to put the nation first as they explored opportunities before them in 2023, including voting for candidates of their choice in forthcoming general elections.
Jonathan in his in his new year message said that 2023 held great possibilities in spite of the challenges faced by the nation in previous years.