Lawyers React to Order for Bayelsa CJ to Swear in Wike

Many lawyers are reacting to the directive by the Attorney General of the Federation’s decision ordering the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State to perform the oath on the incoming governor, Nyesom Wike on May 29.

A prominent Lagos based lawyer, Festus Keyamo said the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Muhammed Adoki was right on the directive for Wike to be sworn in by the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State.

He backed his argument with the last part of Section 1852 of the 1999 Constitution. He also said that it was inconceivable that the assumption of office of a public officer who has been declared winner in an election could be scuttled because of absence of someone who should perform the ceremonial duties.

Meanwhile, a human right activist, Charles Jaja, has described as unconstitutional the directive by the attorney general of the federation directive that the chief judge of Bayelsa State should administer oath of office on Wike.

Jaja said a right does not belong to the AGF.

He said: “the truth is that even though the Attorney General of the Federation has looked for a way to assist Rivers State, but I think this is beyond assisting Rivers State. These are constitutional matters and I don’t see AGF having such power because there is nowhere in the constitution where powers are being donated to him to issue such a directive. Mr Adoki being an agent of the FG cannot act as a chapel on this particular matter.”