According to vanguard, an 11 member Independent Judicial Accountability Panel, including three retired justices, has expressed concerns over the Supreme Court’s recent judgment regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. In a statement released on March 14, 2025, following their inaugural meeting in Abuja, the panel, led by retired Justice Mojeed Owoade of the Court of Appeal, criticized the apex court’s handling of appeals arising from legal disputes in the state.
The panel highlighted that the Supreme Court’s judgment in the consolidated appeals left ambiguity concerning the alleged defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. They noted that while the court commented on the issue, it did not directly address or resolve it, stating, “the court made comments on the issue of defection without actually addressing it.”
Furthermore, the panel emphasized that, at the time of the judgment, there was no concrete evidence before the court confirming the 27 lawmakers’ status within the Assembly. They argued that the Supreme Court should have refrained from commenting on the matter, especially since related litigations were still pending.
The panel also pointed out procedural concerns, noting that the Supreme Court’s decision to issue orders without providing detailed reasoning or justification could undermine public trust in the judiciary. They stressed that “complex and lengthy judgments of courts defy easy comprehension and therefore undermine public trust,” urging judicial officers to remain mindful of their oath of office.
This critique adds to the ongoing discourse surrounding the judiciary’s role in the Rivers State political crisis. Observers and legal experts have raised questions about the implications of the Supreme Court’s judgment, particularly regarding the balance of power within the state’s legislative framework.
The panel’s findings underscore the necessity for clarity and precision in judicial pronouncements, especially in politically sensitive cases, to maintain public confidence in the legal system.
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