By Michael Ovat -Awka
.
The Anambra State Police Command has described the incident involving Police Officers and Court Bailiffs in Awka as an affront to the authority of the Judiciary and an attack on the rule of law, without first examining the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the conduct of all parties involved, amounts to a premature and one-sided judgment.
According to the Command, while the Judiciary’s authority and the sanctity of lawful court orders must be respected, the rule of law equally demands fairness, accountability, professionalism, and restraint from every individual and institution, including court bailiffs and law enforcement officers.
“It is therefore unfair to condemn the Police and portray their actions as an attack on the Judiciary without establishing the facts surrounding the incident. Such a position risks demonising the Executive arm of government while appearing to excuse any alleged unprofessional conduct by the court bailiffs involved.
“The critical questions must be addressed objectively:*
What kind of court bailiffs goes for enforcement without police. Is the judiciary now the law as well as the enforcers
What kind of court bailiff goes to a hotel, start breaking doors throwing out guests properties outside by themselves.
Considering the security of the country, the court bailiff came in a tinted Sienna bus, of occupants as four men jump down from the vehicle suspiciously.
What circumstances necessitated police intervention?
In view of the above, of the already rowdy scene, cause by the court bailiff, the Police was contacted.
These questions are essential to a balanced assessment of the incident. A video clip, particularly one that captures only a portion of an encounter, should not be the sole basis for drawing definitive conclusions or calling for punitive action against officers before a thorough investigation is concluded.
Respect for the Judiciary must not translate into immunity from scrutiny for the conduct of its officers, just as respect for the Police must not shield any officer from accountability. Both institutions operate within the framework of the law and must uphold the same standards of professionalism and responsibility.
The appropriate course is to allow an impartial investigation to establish the facts, identify any misconduct, and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
The rule of law is not strengthened by selective outrage, institutional rivalry, or public condemnation based on incomplete information. It is strengthened by fairness, evidence, due process, and equal accountability.
Justice must be balanced, not selective. The facts must come before the verdict, the Command express worry.
