Earlyface

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) gave
the Federal Government a 30-day
ultimatum to investigate thebombing of
the Rivers State High Court premises in
Ahoada and Okehi.
They ultimatum was issued through the
National Security Adviser and the Inspector
General of Police on Tuesday.
The NBA's statement that announced the
ultimatum reads:
"We condemn these acts of brigandage
and view them not only as sacrilegious,
but also as a desecration of the temple
of justice. On no account, will we ever,
idly stand by and watch these acts of
violence and impunity to our courts,
which are tantamount to an affront to
the rule of law and threat to our
democracy.
"This underscores the need for
government to take the security of lives
and property more seriously. The
lackadaisical attitude accorded to the
security of our courts nationwide, is
now brought to the fore,"
The statement was signed by NBA President,
Okey Wali, SAN.
The association called on the National
Security Adviser and the Inspector General
of Police to use all employ security measures
to unearth the culprits and bring them to
justice, adding.
The lawyers also demanded an immediate
and thorough investigation and a report
"within 30 days of the date of the incidents."
NBA ex-president, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN,
endorsed the position of the Association,
stating that it was high time the issue of
threat and terrorism was curbed.
In like manner, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN,
said that the people behind the bombing
are "fascists", who "have no respect for
human lives and due process."
"They have gone further to also
intimidate the judiciary, the third arm of
government. For me, it is the height of
irresponsibility. So, let them look for
them (perpetrators) so that they can
face justice," he stated.
Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief
Mike Ozekhome, also supported the NBA's
move as he believes that politics has
assumed a dangerous and murderous
dimension in Nigeria, culminating in the
bombing of a court.
Senator Magnus Abe, representing Rivers
South East senatorial district, said the
security situation in the state is on the
boundary of anarchy.
To recall, A High Court in Ahoada East LGA of
Rivers State wasbombed in the morning on
January 6. The bombing reportedly occurred
a few hours before a politically charged suit
against Hon Evans Bipi, a member of the
Rivers State House of Assembly and leader of
a group of six lawmakers, who has been
unlawfully parading himself as the Speaker
of the Rivers State House of Assembly.