Wike’s car gifts: The idea of Governors donating vehicles to Judicial Oafficers is preposterous- Inibehe Effiong

A human right lawyer and political activist, Inibehe Effiong as described the car gifts by Governor wike to the state Judges as rubbish and disrespectful.

Inibehe further said that car gifts to judges should be done by the Judicial Service Commission and not a governor. He said the judges are not governors employees and their welfare should be addressed by the National Judicial Council and the Judicial Service Commission.

According to Inibehe while reacting to a post by Channels Television on the subject matter:

“This is rubbish. Governor Wike has no respect for judicial independence. I have a problem with this report. A governor is not in a position to donate “gifts” to judges. It is nonsensical. If judges need vehicles, the Judicial Service Commission is supposed to provide same.

“The idea of governors donating vehicles to judicial officers is preposterous. It is saddening that a governor who is a lawyer and a member of the Body of Benchers, is indulging in this illegal practice. Judges do not work for governors. Judges are not employees of governors.

“Judicial independence has been eroded by the likes of governor Wike. Addressing the welfare of judicial officers is not the function of a governor. It is the responsibility of the National Judicial Council and the Judicial Service Commission.

“Sadly, judges have continued to subject themselves to this type of ridicule. Under the military, Gani Fawehinmi objected to the presence of the portrait of Brigadier General Raji Rasaki, the then military governor of Lagos State in court and it was removed from all Lagos courts”.

Recall that Channels Television had earlier reported that Governor Wike presented cars to judges on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He faulted the activities of some judges whom he accused of insubordination and dereliction of duty.

He said, “There should be no more excuses for corruption and indolence in job performance among our judges with the level of incentives and entitlements we are providing.

“The point cannot be over-emphasised that the most important consideration of their calling is to ensure that justice gets to everyone that comes before you within the rule of law.”