A/Ibom Residents, NUJ Protest Magistrate’s Handling Of Farmer/Herder’s Suit

As condemnations continue to trail the controversial decision to bar journalists from covering a court proceeding between the petitioner, Ibanga Isine and one Yusuf Abubakar, a herdsman and the commissioner of police, the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the state’s chief judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, to investigate what it described as “judicial rascality” exhibited by Magistrate Godwin Edemekong.

Edemekong, who presided over the first hearing of the matter at the Magistrate Court 7, Fulga Road, Uyo, LEADERSHIP gathered, was said to have been enraged after learning about the presence of journalists, and immediately ordered all journalists including the complaint,  Isine, whose farms were destroyed by the cattle, out of the courtroom, thereby robbing him of his right to fair hearing.

Therefore, the NUJ, sensing the apparent miscarriage of justice by Edemekong, urged concerned authorities to call the magistrate to order to save the temple of justice from further embarrassment.

Condemning what it described as serious opprobrium and humiliation of the media, the NUJ maintained that “an open courtroom is not the private chamber of any judicial officer,” pointing that “such conduct constitutes an assault on the principles of open justice, transparency, and press freedom as guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“Judiciary that operates in secrecy and hostility towards the press cannot claim to uphold the ideals of democracy. Journalists are not enemies of the court. We are custodians of the public’s right to know and watchdogs of due process. To treat the press as a threat is to undermine accountability and embolden impunity,” the union said.

The reaction by the Council as contained in a statement signed by the secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, therefore demanded an immediate public explanation from Magistrate Edemekong, requesting him to “disclose the legal basis, if any, for preventing journalists from covering an open court session.”

The Council also demanded an unreserved apology to the affected journalists, their media organisations, and the NUJ over what it described as “an abuse of power and unprofessional conduct.”

“Also, as a union, we called on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, and the National Judicial Council to investigate the incident and impose appropriate disciplinary measures to prevent a recurrence.

“The NUJ warned against what it described as a growing culture of gagging the press in the “temples of justice,” insisting that any attempt to conduct judicial proceedings in secrecy would be resisted through lawful means.

“The rule of law dies in darkness. The press must be allowed to shine light into every courtroom without fear or favour,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, aggrieved farmers and concerned residents who spoke to our correspondent at the weekend, expressed dismay at the frequent clashes involving herdsmen and farmers, wondering why the State’s Anti -Open Grazing Laws in effect since 2022, have not been effectively implemented to hold violators to account.

Laying the blame on the doorstep of government whose primary motive is to protect lives and properties of citizens, one of the farmers, Etim Umoh, said,  “why the government appears handicapped from implementing the laws that it created is that most of these cows are owned by senior military officers’, politicians, friends and friends of government.”

Another concerned residents, Ima Bassey, recalled that “this was the first hearing of the case,” adding that “Mr. Isine had never appeared before that magistrate, and had no prior connection with the court. Yet, members of the public and the press were denied access without explanation.”

Checks revealed that the growing problems of herdsmen destroying farmlands across the State have become so rife with widespread allegations that influential individuals are shielding those responsible, with reports that some of these powerful figures own the cattle and hired the Fulani tenders to openly graze on farmlands in violation of the State’s Anti-Open Grazing Law with impunity.

“This may explain why cattle roam freely across our communities, including some supposed restricted areas such as Ewet Housing Estate, Shelter Afrique, and other high-profile neighborhoods,” noted Archibong Atakpa, a community leader in Etoi, Uyo local government area.

“Despite repeated reports of farm destruction, assaults on farmers, and other criminal acts, there has been little or no accountability because many victims believe the perpetrators enjoy protection from powerful interests,” he added.

“What is even more troubling is the possibility that the judiciary may also be failing the ordinary citizen. The courts are meant to be the last hope of the common man.

“Many farmers celebrated the news of this arrest because we believed that a successful prosecution could serve as a deterrent to others. Sadly, today’s events have weakened that hope.

“The danger before us extends beyond farmers alone. When food production is threatened, everyone suffers.

“Already, much of the garri consumed in Akwa Ibom comes from neighboring Cross River State. Farmers are increasingly afraid to cultivate large portions of their land. As production drops and transportation costs rise, food prices will inevitably increase.

“Those who once fed their families through farming may soon find themselves dependent on government’s handouts.

“This is why the issue deserves urgent attention.

Across parts of the State, concerns are growing about the presence of unidentified persons occupying forests, creeks, and remote settlements. Many communities feel increasingly vulnerable, yet little seems to be done.

“If those in authority continue to ignore these warning signs, the consequences may become far greater than the destruction of farmland.

The Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law was enacted to address these challenges. Why is it not working? Why are violations continuing with little consequence?

“These are questions that demand answers.

If peaceful advocacy, public engagement, and lawful protest become necessary to draw attention to this issue, then citizens have every right to make their voices heard,” Comrade Ubong Marthins, a civil rights advocate submitted.

Responding, the Commissioner for Internal Security, Mr. Koko, Essien, a retired Army General, noted that ‘the Anti -Open Grazing Laws didn’t preclude the herders from roaming the streets with their cattle but urged farmers to reach the task force with designated phone numbers should the animals stray into their farmlands.