*Accuses Media of Double Standards in Covering Judicial Decisions

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has criticized certain media organizations for what he describes as biased reporting of judicial matters, particularly regarding judges’ decisions that don’t align with specific interests.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike specifically called out selective media coverage, stating: “When I see what happens, how media will be scrolling images of judges, that judges collected bribes… Even if somebody gives you that news item, assuming somebody pays you for that, can you do that in a civilized country?”

The minister noted the double standards in reporting judicial decisions, saying, “I’m happy the day the court gives them judgment – democracy, rule of law. The day the court does not give them judgment, the judges took bribe. Arise Tv will be the first in the morning they will discuss it.”

Wike expressed concern about the impact of such reporting on the judiciary’s reputation and the democratic process. He emphasized that this practice of maligning judges based on unfavorable judgments undermines the judicial system’s integrity.

“That is where we are in this country,” Wike concluded, suggesting that media organizations should maintain consistent standards in reporting judicial matters regardless of the outcome.

Wike also accused some judges of the Rivers State High Court of compromising their judicial integrity for political interests. Specifically, he criticized one judge in particular who he claimed was issuing politically motivated orders despite having a questionable past. Wike revealed that he had initially opposed this same judge’s appointment when the judge was recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC),

“This was a judge I refused when NJC recommended. When the state high court was locked up by my predecessor, this judge was the deputy chief registrar of the customary court of appeal,” Wike explained.

He alleged that during the state’s judicial crisis, certain judges were divided into “loyal” and “disloyal” camps, with discriminatory allowance payments. “They were paying allowances to these judges, they are not paying to these judges,” he said.

The minister further claimed that the judge in question has been handling political cases and issuing orders in matters where parties directly affected were not joined in the suits. He cited a recent case where three assembly members were allegedly allowed to make laws for the state.

“Every political case, they assign it to him, and he will be dishing out orders,” Wike stated, expressing confidence that the higher courts would ultimately address these issues.

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