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Wike/Fubara: HURIWA Calls for Visa Ban on Judges Issuing Politically Motivated Judgements
…Says Judgements Aimed at Destabilizing Rivers
Obinna Uchendu Abakaliki
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have called for visa restrictions on all judges allegedly involved in issuing rulings perceived as politically motivated and aimed at destabilizing Rivers State.
The group condemned the recent Federal High Court judgment halting federal allocations to the state and described the judgement as alarming.
The group called on International embassies, including those of the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, to impose travel restrictions on the judges.
In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) said the statement followed Justice Abdulmalik’s controversial ruling to halt financial allocations to Rivers State.
“HURIWA equates the ruling to a “constitutional coup” that disrupts Nigeria’s democracy. Such judgements are reminiscent of previous politically charged decisions, such as the Imo State governorship verdict that led to a visa ban on Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun (now the Chief Justice of Nigeria).
“This recent ruling effectively disregards a longstanding Supreme Court principle affirming that statutory allocations to states cannot be withheld by federal authorities.
“HURIWA insists that the judgement violates established legal precedence, putting Rivers State and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration at risk of political destabilization.
“The lawsuit, initiated by a faction within the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, claims the power to halt funds distribution within the state. HURIWA views this as a strategic attempt to undermine Governor Fubara’s administration through judicial means.
“Such “partisan” judgements blatantly contradict principles of judicial impartiality, as the judiciary should uphold constitutional protections rather than favor specific political agendas.
HURIWA noted that a notable human rights lawyer Professor Chidi Odinkalu had earlier echoed similar sentiments in response to Justice Abdulmalik’s ruling.
The Human Right group maintained that Prof Odinkalu had stated that the ruling overturns a precedent set by the Supreme Court, describing the judgement as a form of judicial tyranny that dismisses the rule of law.
“Today, a judge of a Federal High Court overruled the Supreme Court. This is not RuleOfLaw; it is tyranny of the #Outlaw,” Odinkalu tweeted.
In addition to Justice Abdulmalik, there are several other recent rulings by Federal High Court judges that we considers constitutionally questionable.
“Justice Lifu’s recent decision regarding Rivers State Local Government elections, where he ruled that the Electoral Act, rather than state electoral laws, governs Local Government elections.
“Our group alongside other constitutional lawyers, expressed concern that this judgement could endanger the legality of local elections already conducted in states such as Kwara, Anambra, and Imo, which had relied on State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) laws.
“If upheld, the judgement would also challenge the authority of SIEC to conduct local elections, placing upcoming polls across multiple states in jeopardy.
HURIWA criticized Justice Lifu for repeatedly issuing judgements favoring factions loyal to political figures and for delivering contradictory rulings that create legal uncertainty.
“In an earlier case, Justice Lifu ruled that party decampment is a pre-election matter, thus benefiting those described as pro-Wike faction in Rivers State.
“HURIWA contended that this interpretation conflicts with existing party constitutions, such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in sections 45, 47, which stipulates that an acting chairman must be temporarily appointed only until a substantive officer from the zone of the former occupant assumes the role.
“Such rulings reflect blatant disregard for party protocols and constitutional guidelines.
“It would be recalled that Justice Okorowo previously issued an injunction declaring that Rivers lawmakers’ seats should not be vacated, a ruling upon which Justice Lifu then based his order allowing certain lawmakers to maintain their positions.
“The lawmakers had before now withdrawn the case from Justice Okorowo’s court, yet Justice Lifu’s rulings continued to rely on the withdrawn case. To us, This is a “disturbing misuse of the judiciary” that undermines the stability of Rivers State and allows personal or partisan interests to influence judicial outcomes.
The Human Right group noted that the situation is potential for civil unrest if financial allocations are withheld from Rivers State, as groups within the region have reportedly issued warnings threatening to disrupt critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines, in retaliation.
“Our stand is that the court’s ruling aggravates existing tensions and could incite further instability in the region. The judgement issued is like dousing the flames of political discord in Rivers State with gasoline, in what appears to be a deliberate push toward civil instability,” HURIWA stated.
“Justice Abdulmalik’s decision delegitimizes the duly elected administration of Governor Fubara, and as such, is unconstitutional and akin to a plot to forcefully remove the governor without due process.”
HURIWA urges the Chief Justice, Kekere-Ekun to restore integrity within Nigeria’s judicial system and warned that the credibility of the judiciary is at stake, as these repeated instances of perceived bias in high-profile cases erode public trust in the rule of law.
“The Nigerian judiciary is in jeopardy as these rulings reflect a disturbing pattern of bias in political disputes. If this persists, Nigerians may begin to question the value of seeking legal recourse, potentially leading to societal chaos,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA warned that the judiciary must act quickly to address these incidents of alleged misconduct to prevent the erosion of Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The group vowed to pursue sanctions on any judge whose rulings compromise Nigeria’s democratic principles, emphasizing that Justice Abdulmalik’s order represents a dangerous encroachment on the powers vested in elected officials.
“It is crucial that the CJN and the National Judicial Council take corrective measures to prevent further damage to Nigeria’s judicial image,” the group stated. Ends.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .
The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.
The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them
The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.
According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.
The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.
The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.
The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.
The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.
The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.
The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.
As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.
The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.
The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.
In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news
The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.
VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
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