The Federal Government has been given a 30-day ultimatum to probe the bombing, on Monday, of the High Court in Ahoada and razing of the High Chief Magistrate’s Court in Okehi, both in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria.

The ultimatum, by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), was issued yesterday through a statement signed by its President, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN).

The statement issued in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, NBA said: “We condemn these acts of brigandage and view them not only as sacrilegious, but also as a desecration of the temple of justice. On no account, will we ever, idly stand by and watch these acts of violence and impunity to our courts, which are tantamount to an affront to the rule of law and threat to our democracy.

“This underscores the need for government to take the security of lives and property more seriously. The lackadaisical attitude accorded to the security of our courts nationwide, is now brought to the fore. The need to secure the premises of the hallowed courts of justice across the nation should be taken more seriously.”

The NBA fingered politics as being behind the attack on the temple of justice in the restive state, saying: “We have always called on politicians to play by the rules. Whatever grievances anybody has, he should go to court.”

It specifically tasked the National Security Adviser and Inspector General of Police to get to the root of the matter.

According to the statement, “The NBA will not and cannot be satisfied with the usual mantra of, ‘the police investigation is continuing’

“We demand an immediate and thorough investigation and expect a report, even if interim, within thirty days of the date of the incidents. Attacks on our courts will not be swept under the carpet.

“We are shocked. It is a total desecration of the temple of justice; we condemn it in its entirety and we are calling on the President and NSA and IGP to investigate it. We expect that the report of the investigation will be available within 30 days; it should not be the usual police report that the report is being awaited.”

•Photo shows the razed High Chief Magistrate’s Court in Okehi, Rivers State.

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