Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) has called on the judiciary to shun rascality in churning out ex parte orders in political matters.

The legal scholar, who expressed deep concern about what he described as high level of judicial involvement in political party activities, said such does not present the judiciary in good light.

He said: “Indeed the churning out of ex parte orders recently by courts of coordinate jurisdiction is a grim reminder of the dark days leading to the emergence of Interim Government and particularly the ignoble rule played by the Judiciary at that point in time.

“What we have seen so far in the matter of Prince Uche Secondus and the impasse at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not present the Judiciary in good light at all.

“Gradually, it is bothering on Judiciary rascality or I dare say impunity. The regulating authority must step in forthwith and put a stop this politically induced forum shopping for ex parte orders. At times like this, one is not proud to be called a lawyer.”

According to him, public confidence in the judiciary must not be allowed to wane again – not after what appeared to be wholesale cleansing of the Augean stable.

The impression in the public space, he said, is that the judiciary has been compromised again and is ready to do the bidding of the Executive across the divide.

“Wherein lies the independence of the Judiciary? Where is the effect of the much-touted judicial autonomy? He asked.