The Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner who spoke with The Weekend Tide in his office in Port Harcourt, recently commented on Sundry issues such as Nigeria federal structure, appointment of top judicial officers, state creation and the controversial immunity clause.

Barrister Ichoku, who has spent over 23 years in private legal practice is highly impressed over the poignant role the judiciary has come to play in the country’s democratic process, a prospect he noted was previously subsumed in over bearing Military domination and reign of civilian cabals.

With the new effacing posture of the Judiciary, he said the faltering rights of the ordinary Nigerians will be restored and confidence will be created in our democracy.

However, to further strengthen the independence of the judiciary, he contended that the procedure for the appointment of top judicial officers such as Judges should be reviewed.

He argued that such important appointments should not be subjected to overbearing political influence but should be made an entirely legal issue.

“The appointment of top judicial officers should be handled by serving judges and the bar. There should be nomination and the names should be sent to the judicial service commission both at state and federal levels, not through executive and legislative scrutiny. This is to avoid too much politics coming into play in the process” he stated.

On the best form of government suitable for Nigeria, the Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA born legal luminary hinted that the country’s political setbacks were not as a result of the system of Government in operation but lack of implementation of specified constitutional provisions.

He reasoned that only a decentralised federal structure where various interest groups are constitutionally empowered to control their resources and develop at their own pace can foster speedy development in Nigeria.

According to him such a decentralised federal structure will also help Nigeria to discover more potentials and resources in the various parts of the country, as various interest groups will be eager to tap their natural resources for optimal utilisation.

He decried the idea of oil being the sole foreign exchange earner for Nigeria and stressed that oil politics has stunted the nation’s economic growth rather than promoting it.

The over dependence on oil has led to the abuse of revenue management in the country. Every body opts for oil money forgetting the other numerous aspects of our national life which should be exploited”.

To meet up the inbalance created in terms of development especially in the Niger Delta, Ichoku who is the immediate past chairman Nigerian Bar Association, Ahoada chapter, advocated for the creation of more states from the present Rivers State.

He said the creation of a statelLike Orashi, which is geographically and economically viable would lead to expansive economic growth in the area.

In his dispassionate assessment of the political development in Rivers State, Barrister Ichoku stated that the political scenario in the state indicates that God was adjudicating directly.

He commended Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s style of governance which he described as proactive. “I am really impressed about Governor Amaechi’s approach to development in the state. Infrastructural development is on the increase, his health Policies are sound and his view on the development of the Niger Delta is that of a practical economic revolution.

I think he needs the support of the people of Rivers State to succeed.

Barrister Emeka Ichoku is a knight of the Order of Saint Christopher. He is also the chancellor, (Chief legal officer) of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, Anglican Communion.

His view on the controversial immunity clause is that it should be dropped so as to effectively check corruption among our leaders. “We shouldn’t copy the West America and Britain are Okey for immunity because political leaders in those countries go in for service. Most Political leaders in Nigeria go for their pockets. Immunity doesn’t befit our political system,” he stated.