An 11-member Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP), which includes three retired justices, has criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling on the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
The panel, led by retired Justice Mojeed Owoade of the Court of Appeal, expressed concerns on Friday, March 14, 2025, following its inaugural meeting in Abuja. It argued that the apex court’s judgment on legal disputes in Rivers State delved into unresolved issues.
After analyzing recent high-profile cases, the panel stated, “The judgement of the Supreme Court in the consolidated appeals leaves a gap as to whether the issue of the alleged defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is still alive or has been settled. This is because the court made comments on the issue of defection without actually addressing it.”
The panel pointed out that although there was no evidence before the court at the time to confirm whether the 27 lawmakers had ceased to be legitimate Assembly members, the Supreme Court should have avoided making remarks on the issue, given that litigation was still ongoing.
Despite its criticism, the panel ruled out the possibility of any party seeking a judicial review of the verdict, stating, “As far as the case is concerned, the Supreme Court has become functus-officio in the matter.”
Justice Owoade’s panel warned that lengthy and complex court judgments make it difficult for the public to understand legal rulings, leading to diminished trust in the judiciary. “Complex and lengthy judgements of courts defy easy comprehension and therefore undermine public trust,” the panel noted. It further advised judicial officers to “be mindful of their oath of office at all times.”
Recommendations for Judicial and Political Reforms
As part of its recommendations, the panel urged politicians to refrain from exerting undue influence on the judiciary and to foster cooperation for the benefit of the public. It also called on all levels of government to respect court rulings and uphold citizens’ fundamental rights in a democratic society.
The panel criticized the Federal Government’s failure to comply with a ruling from the ECOWAS Court, which awarded damages to victims of the October 2020 End SARS protests over nine months ago.
“IJAP recommends that the Federal Government of Nigeria obey orders not only of our domestic courts but also those of International Courts, in line with its obligations under various treaties. The panel recognises that concerted citizen action will be necessary for achieving this.”
It further encouraged citizens to take an active role in ensuring judicial and governmental accountability. “Citizens should show more interest and get involved in activities that hold the judiciary and other government agencies accountable.”
The panel also urged the media to be fearless, objective, and non-partisan in reporting judicial matters. “The media should be more courageous, factual, and non-partisan in investigating and reporting the role of the judiciary in our democracy.”
Members and Background of the Panel
The panel includes two other retired justices of the Court of Appeal—Justices Chinwe Iyizoba and Oludotun Adefope-Okojie—along with Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, Prof. Jummai Audi, Mr. Mac Imoni Amarere, Barr. Sechap A. Tsokwa, Andrew Mamedu, Judith Gbagidi, Barr. Funmi Olukeye, and Celestine Okwudil.
IJAP is part of an expanded initiative by ActionAid Nigeria and the Citizens’ Led Engagement on Judicial Accountability in Post-Election Justice Delivery in Nigeria (CLEAP-Justice), a project launched in July 2023.
ActionAid’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, explained that the initiative has grown beyond election-related judicial accountability, now supporting broader efforts to ensure transparency and integrity in the judiciary.
