HURIWA Appeals to Global Powers Over Judicial Bias Threatening Rivers State Democracy
In a significant move to safeguard democracy in Rivers State, Nigeria’s largest crude oil-producing region, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has formally urged the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to impose visa bans on judges accused of undermining democratic principles. This initiative, announced by HURIWA’s National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko during a press conference in Abuja, aims to draw attention to what the organization describes as the “judicial emasculation of constitutional democracy” in the region, a situation they warn could destabilize Nigeria’s political landscape.
HURIWA has submitted petitions to the embassies of the US, UK, and EU, explicitly naming several judges—including Chief Judge John Tsoho, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, and Justice Peter Lifu—whom they accuse of issuing rulings that favor powerful political figures at the expense of justice in Rivers State.
One ruling highlighted by Onwubiko involved Justice Joyce Abdulmalik’s decision to stop federal revenue allocations to Rivers State, based on claims that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had presented the 2024 state budget to only a minority of the legislature. HURIWA contends that this verdict serves the interests of political factions loyal to former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, currently Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Onwubiko expressed grave concern about the integrity of the judiciary in Rivers State, stating, “It appears more aligned with political agendas than the rule of law.” He emphasized that the public’s faith in democratic institutions is at risk, especially in politically volatile regions.
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As part of its campaign strategy, HURIWA plans to host an upcoming international event in Brisbane, Australia, titled “Judicial Emasculation of Constitutional Democracy in Rivers State, Nigeria.” Set for later this year, the event aims to convene legal experts, human rights advocates, and international observers to address the implications of perceived judicial bias on Nigeria’s democracy.
“Brisbane is an ideal location for such a global outreach,” Onwubiko explained. The city’s history as a cultural hub makes it suitable for fostering dialogue on human rights issues.
HURIWA’s scrutiny includes several important judicial decisions affecting governance and political stability in Rivers State. The organization points to a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated local government elections in the state, which had been previously halted by a Federal High Court. This and other legal actions raise concerns that political interests may be skewing judicial outcomes.
Onwubiko asserted that the trend of judicial overreach is detrimental, urging international sanctions against the judges involved. Drawing parallels to past international actions, particularly the visa bans enforced after a controversial Supreme Court ruling in Imo State, HURIWA believes that similar pressure could restore judicial integrity in Rivers State.
“The stakes are high for Rivers State, which is the economic heartbeat of Nigeria,” he said, underscoring that an impartial judiciary is vital not only for political stability but also for attracting foreign investment.
HURIWA’s call for international collaboration and support has already piqued the interest of global human rights organizations, many of which view the Brisbane event as a pivotal moment for promoting judicial reforms in Nigeria.
Onwubiko concluded with a resolute determination to expose the perceived judicial bias in Rivers State, affirming that this campaign is just the beginning of a broader initiative to rally both local and international support for accountability within the judiciary. “Rivers State deserves a judiciary that is fair and independent, and we are dedicated to achieving this goal through all available legal and international avenues,” he stated.
