Jonathan urges politicians to stop intimidating judiciary
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has called on the political class to allow the judiciary to carry out its constitutional functions, saying society is dynamic.
He gave the advice while speaking during the book presentation/reception that concluded week-long activities marking the retirement of the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, in Yenagoa on Friday.
Jonathan 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.
He 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.
The former president said, “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 executive.”
In his remarks, the Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, hailed Justice Abiri for her outstanding achievements, noting that during her 15-year term as Chief Judge, she swore in three governors in Bayelsa and one in Rivers.
