SSS ARREST OF JUDGES: THREAT TO RULE OF LAW, OBVIOUS SIGNS OF CREEPING DICTATORSHIP.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the House of Representatives condemns in strongest terms the State Security Service, (SSS) invasion of residences and arrest of some judges on allegations of corruption and other acts of professional misconducts.

We condemn in its entirety, the said Gestapo invasion of the residences and arrest of the judges at those odd hours as it is not only unlawful but a threat to due process, usurpation of the responsibilities of the Nigeria Police, EFCC, ICPC or the NJC AND A BREACH OF CHAPTER 4 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FED REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AND AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES RIGHTS.

We have taken pains to further analyse the National Security Agencies, (NSA) Act, from where the State Security Service under the provisions of Section 3 derives it’s powers. We make bold to state that we could not FIND anything like fight against corruption or financial crimes in the SSS mandate. Let it be known to Nigerians and the world at large that the core functions of SSS, bothers on treasonable crime and nothing MORE. ANYTHING OUTSIDE THAT IS ACTING ULTRA VIRES.

 …Much as we will not condone corruption or encourage any form of corruption, STRUCTURES OF GOVT SHOULD CONFINE THEMSELVES TO THEIR LEGAL DUTIES IN LINE WITH THEIR CORE FUNCTIONS AND RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW.

The commando style adopted by the SSS in the invasion of the said judges is not only an affront on the judiciary but a threat to our democracy AND A REMINDER OF THE INFAMOUS IDI AMIN’S REIGN IN UGANDA.

 There are several ways and methods the Service could have adopted in passing those information available to them to the rightful agencies saddled with such responsibilities AND COLLABORATE WITH THEM IN THE SINCERE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE.

We state unequivocally that the SSS acted outside the confines of the NSA Act and therefore demand the unconditional release of the affected judges without further delay.

Whilst we are 100 percent in support of the fight against corruption in Nigeria, such fights must be carried out in line with the extant laws of the land. We say this with all emphasis because the trend of the SSS since the beginning of this administration portends grave danger to our democratic institutions if not nipped in the bud. 

As lawmakers, there is a major moral burden on us to bring to the attention of the public, the height of impunity, lawlessness and crass intolerance carried out by the SSS, which we believe must be condemned by all Nigerians no matter the circumstances because two wrongs doesn’t make a right.

In line with their core responsibility, rather than going after rampaging Boko Haram terrorists by providing the much needed information for the Nigerian military that are doing a marvelous job in the fight against insurgency, they are busy usurping powers of the Nigeria Police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION and the National Judicial Council by running after electoral issues in clear violation of Section 133 of the Electoral Act.

We therefore call on all Nigerians, the international community to rise in defense of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, because “INJUSTICE TO ONE IS INJUSTICE TO ALL” AND “a stitch in time saves nine”.

Hon. Leo Ogor
Minority Leader, House of Representatives
October 9, 2016