Imo West, Orlu senatorial candidate Rufus Omeire of the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Imo State has demanded that Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja be immediately suspended from her position by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for what Omeire claims are actions that threaten democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of the judicial system.
Justice activities that have the potential to sow discord and chaos should not be permitted to continue, according to Omeire’s statement released on Tuesday, especially while Nigerians are confronted with economic hardship, insecurity, and other critical national issues.
He asserts that the Court of Appeal has consistently held that judges are unfit to stay on the bench if they do not comply with the instructions and conclusions of superior courts.
“Justice Lifu allegedly appears determined to create further uncertainty and tension through actions that undermine the rule of law and judicial hierarchy, which could lead to anarchy if unchecked,” he said, adding that it is deeply troubling that Nigerians are still struggling with worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and other pressing national challenges.
The National Judicial Council, according to Omeire, needs to move quickly to save the credibility of judges.
Any judge who defies a superior court’s order or decision is unfit to remain on the bench, according to the Court of Appeal’s consistent maintenance. Justice Lifu must be promptly suspended and proper disciplinary actions must be initiated by the National Judicial Council in accordance with this well-established judicial norm,” he declared.
The APP chieftain emphasised once again that the judiciary is the common man’s final resort and must be shielded from actions that could undermine public faith in the legal system.
We must safeguard the judiciary from any threats that could undermine public trust in the fair administration of justice, since it is the final line of defence for the average citizen.
He reasoned that a judge on the Federal High Court would lack the moral standing to expect obedience to his own instructions if he or she could not follow the verdicts and orders of lower courts.
Further, Omeire cautioned that what he called “judicial recklessness” could be fostered if immediate action was not taken.