Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement has strongly accused former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike of corrupting Nigeria’s judiciary.
Sowore asserted that sources familiar with judicial operations are aware that Wike has long been referred to as the “Golden Boy of the Judiciary” for his alleged influence over legal decisions.
One of the key accusations noted by Sowore involves Wike’s close relationship with Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, the former President of the Court of Appeal. Sowore further alleged that Wike secured a contract for the construction of the Court of Appeal building in Port Harcourt during her tenure.
Reportedly, decisions in Wike’s favour were granted with ease, with some sources suggesting that Wike’s influence extended to preemptive favourable rulings.
Even before his tenure as governor, Wike was allegedly known as a key figure in manipulating judicial outcomes, particularly during election tribunal cases and other contentious legal matters, according to Sowore.
The #RevolutionNow convener also pointed to Wike’s practice of providing land and housing for judges in high-value areas, particularly in Abuja, noting that these gifts are potential bribes aimed at securing favourable legal outcomes.
In a Tuesday evening tweet on his X account, Sowore said, “@GovWike has been a major corruptor of the judiciary. In judicial circles, he is called the “Golden Boy of the Judiciary” because of his uncanny ability to help corrupt the judiciary.
“When Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa was the President of the Court of Appeal, Wike gave a her a contract to build the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt and anything Wike wanted was granted before he asked.
“Even before he became governor of Rivers State, Wike was the go-to guy to buy judgements or judges during election tribunals or contentious legal matters.
“Building judges’ houses is a direct bribe; besides this brazen bribery of judicial officers, Wike is also allocating lands to senior judges in choice areas in Abuja as we speak!
“WIKE HAS NIGERIA JUDICIARY IN HIs BREAST POCKET.”
The allegations by Sowore underscore long-standing concerns over the independence and integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary, with Wike accused of having a stranglehold on the system. Despite these claims, Wike has yet to formally respond to the latest wave of accusations.
