Ijaw women urge restraint in Diezani’s bribery case

A prominent group, the Ijaw Women Advocates for Justice, has stepped forward to call for a measured approach in the ongoing legal proceedings against former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the United Kingdom. Speaking through former Permanent Secretary Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, the advocates stressed the critical importance of allowing the judicial process to unfold without external interference or the clamor of public opinion.

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We, the Ijaw Women Advocates for Justice, across the Ijaw Nation and diaspora, have watched unfolding events with vigilance, restraint, and clarity.

This intervention, originating from within the Ijaw community, highlights a deep concern for due process and the integrity of the justice system. The group's statement, carefully worded, makes it clear that their stance is not one of defense or condemnation, but rather a principled stand for justice itself. They are advocating for the legal proceedings to be treated as such, rejecting the growing trend of trying individuals in the court of public opinion before a verdict is reached.

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We have observed, refusing to be drawn into noise, speculation, or premature judgments. We speak now, not out of impulse, but out of responsibility, both to justice and to one of our own, a daughter of the Ijaw Nation, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

From our perspective in Nigeria, where legal battles can often become politicized, this call for restraint is particularly significant. The Ijaw Women Advocates for Justice are reminding all parties involved, and indeed the international community, that justice must be served through established legal channels. Their commitment to defending principles, rather than individuals, underscores a desire for fairness and a belief in the sanctity of the judicial process, which is a cornerstone of any stable society.

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We are not here to defend or condemn any individual. We are here to defend principles. The ongoing proceedings in the United Kingdom must remain exactly what they are: a judicial process, not a public spectacle.