The National Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over recent attacks and harassment of judicial officers in the legitimate and constitutional exercise of their functions.
Executive Secretary of the Commission Tony Ojukwu Esq who stated this in Abuja, noted that the situation is further accentuated by the increasing lack of safety for Nigerians while going about their legitimate businesses due insecurity.
Ojukwu further stated that Judicial independence is greatly undermined when judges are no longer able to exercise their functions without fear.
He said the recent attacks on the person and private property of Honourable Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme qCourt, kidnapping of Justice Ijeoma Iheme of the Court of Appeal Benin Division and other judicial officers are but a few cases amongst a host of others.
“It is worse where such attacks on judicial officials result from performance of official duties following the delivery of judgements in election related cases. Such are highly condemnable and portend great danger for Nigeria’s democracy and the enjoyment of the human rights especially the rights to life, freedom from fear of personal security, dignity of human persons, privacy and ownership of property as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary” he said.
The rule of law and the realization of human rights he posited can only be attained when judges and our courts are able to dispense justice without any inclination to fear, bias and intimidation.
According to him it may seem fashionable today to criticize judgements and judges when cases go for or against us but such exercise of rights must be within the law by respecting the rights of the judicial officers and the judiciary as a key institution of government.
“We acknowledge the right of every Nigerian to fair comment on judgements of courts, freedom of expression and to hold and impart opinions as guaranteed by the Constitution. However, the enjoyment of these rights does not extend to, or encourage violent acts, invasion of privacy and destruction of private properties which also violate the human rights of others and are crimes against the state.”
The Commission further calls on security agencies to ensure that the rights and security of judicial officers performing their official duties are protected, urging them to bring those responsible for the attack on Justice Mary Odili’s home as well as other judicial officers who have suffered similar attacks to book in accordance with the law.
