A newly formed judicial accountability panel has raised serious concerns over the Supreme Court’s handling of legal disputes surrounding the political turmoil in Rivers State, highlighting gaps in its rulings on unresolved issues.
The 11-member Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP), led by retired Court of Appeal Justice Mojeed Owoade, convened its first session in Abuja on March 14, where it expressed apprehension about the apex court’s approach to the alleged defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In its review, which aligned with an earlier appeal by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), the group urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its February 28, 2025, ruling that reinstated 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Meanwhile, Justice Mojeed Owoade observed that the Supreme Court’s judgment failed to clarify whether the issue of the lawmakers’ alleged defection had been conclusively addressed. “The judgment of the Supreme Court in the consolidated appeals leaves ambiguity as to whether the alleged defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly remains unresolved or has been legally settled,” the panel stated. “While the court commented on the matter, it did not provide a definitive ruling.
The panel noted that since no conclusive evidence was before the Supreme Court regarding the lawmakers’ defection, it would have been prudent for the court to refrain from making remarks on the subject, particularly as related cases were still pending.
Despite its critique, the panel emphasized that the case would not be reopened. “Legally speaking, the Supreme Court has exercised its final jurisdiction and cannot revisit the matter,” it declared.
Additionally, the panel warned that excessively complex and lengthy court judgments hinder public understanding and diminish trust in the judiciary. “When judicial rulings are too intricate or lengthy, they become difficult for the public to comprehend, ultimately eroding confidence in the justice system,” it asserted, urging judges to remain steadfast in their duty to deliver clear and precise judgments.
Beyond the Rivers State political crisis, the panel called on politicians to respect the independence of the judiciary and desist from exerting undue influence on legal proceedings. It further urged all tiers of government to uphold judicial decisions and respect citizens’ rights, citing concerns over the Federal Government’s failure to comply with an ECOWAS Court ruling that granted compensation to victims of the October 2020 EndSARS protests.
“The Independent Judicial Accountability Panel recommends that the Federal Government of Nigeria demonstrate commitment to the rule of law by adhering to judicial decisions from both domestic and international courts,” the panel emphasized.
In its broader recommendations, the panel underscored the need for stronger civic engagement and a more proactive media in holding the judiciary accountable. “Citizens must take an active interest in governance and ensure that judicial and governmental bodies remain answerable to the people,” it urged.
“The media, as the fourth estate of the realm, should exhibit greater courage, accuracy, and impartiality in investigating and reporting on judicial matters in Nigeria’s democratic system.”
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Panel members include retired Justices Chinwe Iyizoba and Oludoton Adefope-Okojie, alongside legal scholars and civil society leaders such as Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, Prof. Jummai Audi, Mac Imoni Amarere, Sechap A. Tsokwa, Andrew Mamedu, Judith Gbagidi, Funmi Olukeye, and Celestine Okwudil.
This panel was established under a broader initiative led by ActionAid Nigeria and the Citizens’ Led Engagement on Judicial Accountability in Post-Election Justice Delivery in Nigeria (CLEAP-Justice), a program launched in July 2023 to strengthen judicial accountability beyond electoral matters.
Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid, highlighted that the initiative has expanded its focus, ensuring that judicial accountability is upheld across all legal matters affecting governance and democracy in Nigeria.
