A group, the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership led by Barr. Chizi Enyi has called on the Rivers State Government to revoke properties given to judges by then Governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Enyi said Rule 10 of the Professional Conduct for Judicial Officers prohibits judges from accepting gifts.
According to him, it is worrisome that some judicial officers are violating their professional conduct rules.
He said, “It is worrisome that some judicial officers are violating their professional conduct rules, which should be cautious of gifts, favors, or advantages from individuals. Rule 10 of the Professional Conduct for Judicial Officers prohibits judges from accepting gifts, bequests, loans, or any favor related to their judicial duties.
“In August 2019, Justice James K. Omotosho and two others were allocated properties at GRA Phase 8, Eliozu, Port Harcourt, as gifts by then-Governor Wike. The plot allocated to Justice Omotosho (Plot 104) was originally owned by Hon. Odien Ajumogobia, SAN, who had his Certificate of Occupancy revoked by Wike without notice. Even if Justice Omotosho purchased the land, wouldn’t a search report show that it originally belonged to Ajumogobia? As a judge, doesn’t he know that land revocation is for public use, and why did he accept a property that should have been for public use
“We urge the Rivers State Government to swiftly revoke these properties and ensure that all allocations follow the law,” Enyi added.
