The Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership has called on Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, to revoke properties previously gifted to High Court judges by the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The group specifically requested that Governor Fubara revoke the properties given to Justice James Omotosho and other judges, arguing that it is inappropriate for a governor to gift public land to individuals in this manner.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the group presented documents it claimed to have obtained from the State Ministry of Land and Survey, which listed the properties allocated to various individuals.
Among them were Justice James Omotosho, who was given Plot 104 in GRA Phase 8, Justice Osho Oshomah, with Plot 287, GRA Phase 8, and Justice Muhammed Sam, along with other security personnel and influential figures in the country.
Barrister Chizy Enyi, the group’s leader, explained that while Wike had revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for these properties in 2016, he had reallocated them in 2019 to several High Court judges and other individuals.
Enyi pointed out that the Land Use Act mandates that properties revoked from individuals must be used for public purposes, not allocated as personal gifts.
Enyi expressed concern over the violations of judicial conduct, particularly Rule 10 of the Professional Conduct for Judicial Officers, which prohibits judges from accepting gifts, favors, or loans that could influence their judicial duties.
He emphasized that the allocation of such properties to judges is a breach of this rule.
The group’s leader further raised questions about the legitimacy of the gift to Justice Omotosho. He noted that the land initially belonged to Hon. Odien Ajumogobia, SAN, whose C of O was revoked by Wike.
Enyi questioned whether Justice Omotosho had properly conducted a search to confirm the original ownership of the property and whether, as a judge, he should have accepted land that was meant for public use.
The activist group also expressed concerns that the property allocation could potentially influence Justice Omotosho’s recent rulings, which have been perceived as favorable to Wike.
Enyi called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene by instructing the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to ensure that judges who received such gifts do not hear cases involving Rivers politics.
“As a non-governmental organization, we are deeply concerned about the perception that some judicial decisions may be swayed by personal relationships or gifts,” Enyi stated.
“The judiciary, which should be the final recourse for the common man, should not be seen as favoring those who can offer such gifts.”
The group is now urging the Rivers State Government to take immediate action and revoke the properties, asserting that the allocations were made without following the proper legal procedures.
“We urge Governor Fubara to take swift action to revoke these properties and ensure that all land allocations are made according to the law,” Enyi concluded.
