Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has pleaded with the political elite to give the judiciary the respect and dignity it deserves.
He advised politicians to allow the judiciary to perform its constitutional functions without fear and according to the letter of the law.
Jonathan issued the warning during a book launch/reception that ended the week-long events marking the resignation of Bayels State Chief Judge Judge Kate Abiri.
At the event in the state capital, Yenagoa, Jonathan acknowledged the critical role Judge Abiri played when he was sworn in to Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike and averted a constitutional crisis in the state.
He admonished politicians not to be blinded by their power, while urging judicial officers to make impartial and courageous efforts in upholding the rule of law, which he described as critical to the delivery of justice.
He said: “I advise politicians, while in power, let’s 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 retired Chief Justice as he has served with distinction.
In 2015, he left Bayelsa for Rivers to perform the governor’s inauguration ceremony and thus prevent anarchy.
It seems that the judicial branch has more functions than the executive branch.”
Within Nigeria
