Jonathan warns politicians against judicial blackmail

• Published date: 15 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the political class to allow the judiciary to perform its constitutional functions, saying that society is dynamic. Jonathan gave the admonition yesterday during a book presentation/reception that culminated the week-long activities marking the retirement of the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The former president acknowledged the critical role Justice Abiri played when she swore in the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike thus averting a constitutional crisis and advised politicians not to be blinded by the power they wield. Jonathan equally cautioned judicial officers to strive to be impartial and courageous in upholding the rule of law, which he noted was significant in the delivery of justice.

He stated: 'I advise politicians that while in office, let us not try to blackmail the judiciary because it is conservative. When we get political power, we get so blinded. Politicians should know that society is changing. Today, we are celebrating our retiring Chief Judge because she has served meritoriously. In 2015, she left Bayelsa for Rivers to perform the swearing-in of the governor thereby averting anarchy. It appears that the judicial arm is more functional than the...