ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The raid by security operatives on the Abuja residence of Supreme Court jurist, Justice Mary Odili, wife of former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, is condemnable and should not be glossed over, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has stated.
Diri described the raid as “an ill-advised sting operation”, saying that it was an attempt to intimidate the judiciary, which is an independent organ of government.
He asked the Federal Government, which controls the security agencies, not to only investigate the incident, but to also ensure that those found culpable were brought to book and properly punished.
He reasoned that such condemnable acts by security agencies made a mockery of Nigeria’s and the principle of separation of powers.
The governor said the world was watching to see how the Federal Government would handle the incident, lamenting that it was another ugly episode.
He said the raid was one too many on the attacks by security operatives on the homes of judicial officers in the country.
Diri stated: “Nigeria is not a Banana Republic that security operatives would just take the laws into their hands. The raid on Justice Mary Odili’s residence is highly condemnable and should not be glossed over by any responsible government.
“I urge the Federal Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and take needed actions against those found culpable.
“For me, the ill-advised raid was an attempt to intimidate the judiciary, judicial officers and custodians of the highest temple of justice. It is yet another attack on Justices in our country that deserves condemnation and should not be allowed to happen again.”