Rivers NBA Branches Unite, Call for Retraction and Apology from Chief Tony C. Okocha Over Allegations Against Justice Aprioku
The chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State held a joint press conference to address the recent public statements made by Chief Tony C. Okocha, JP, DSSRS, against Hon. Justice S. H. Aprioku of the High Court of Rivers State.
In the press briefing, Mrs. Cordelia Uwuma Eke, the Chairman of the Port Harcourt Branch of the NBA, along with the chairmen of the other seven branches, strongly condemned Chief Okocha’s unsubstantiated allegations that Justice Aprioku was bribed and biased against the defendants in the case of Sam Sam Etetegwung v. His Excellency, Abdullahi Ganduje & Ors. (Suit No: PHC/3592/CS/2023) and other matters pending before the judge.
The NBA chairmen noted that the cases were initially assigned to Hon. Justice C. N. Wali and Hon. Justice O. Ollor, but were later consolidated and reassigned to Hon. Justice S. H. Aprioku following an application by the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which alleged that the two judges were vehemently opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC-led government and the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers State.
The chairmen emphasized that litigants cannot choose which judge should be assigned to their cases or cast aspersions on judges without evidence. They stated that any allegation of bribery against a judge must be founded on incontrovertible evidence, not hearsay, as it has grave implications for the image of the judiciary and public trust in the judicial system.
The NBA chairmen also condemned Chief Okocha’s disparagement of Justice Aprioku, describing the allegations as spurious and unfounded. They called on Chief Okocha to immediately retract his statements, tender a public apology to the judges mentioned, and redirect his energy to his cases.
The chairmen further warned that such unfounded comments amount to contempt ex facie curiae and that the NBA will not hesitate to take legal action against any person who desecrates the justice system. They reaffirmed their commitment to stand for due process in the justice delivery system and uphold the rule of law.
The joint press statement was signed by:
1. Mrs. Cordelia Uwuma Eke – Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch
2.- Chairman, Isiokpo Branch
3. – Chairman, Ahoada Branch
4. Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire (Ph.D.) MCARB – Chairman, Okehi Branch
5. – Chairman, Bori Branch
6. – Chairman, Degema Branch
7. – Chairman, Okrika Branch
8. – Chairman, Omoku Branch
