By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja
The Ijaw Women Advocates for Justice, a coalition of Ijaw women across Nigeria and the diaspora, have called for restraint, fairness, and strict adherence to due process in the ongoing judicial proceedings involving former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Addressing a World Press Conference on Tuesday, the group expressed concern over what it described as growing public speculation, media sensationalism, and premature judgments surrounding the case. The women emphasized that their position is not driven by impulse, but by a deep sense of responsibility to justice and to one of their own.
“We speak not to defend or condemn any individual, but to uphold principle,” the statement read. “Every individual, regardless of past office or public perception, is entitled to a fair hearing, due process, and the presumption of innocence. These are not privileges; they are fundamental rights.”
The group noted that while Alison-Madueke’s tenure as Nigeria’s former petroleum minister and her historic role as the first female President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) remain part of her public record, they should not prejudice ongoing legal proceedings.
They warned against what they termed the “growing tendency to try individuals in the court of public opinion while legal processes are still underway,” stressing that such actions undermine the very essence of justice.
“Justice must remain a judicial process, not a public spectacle,” the statement added. “We reject narratives driven by speculation, selective reporting, and the weaponisation of public opinion.”
The Ijaw women further called on the media and the public to allow the courts to carry out their duties without interference or bias, insisting that any determination of guilt or innocence must be based solely on evidence presented in court.
“As Ijaw women, we stand in solidarity—not to shield wrongdoing—but to insist that justice must be done properly, lawfully, and without prejudice,” the group stated. “Let evidence speak where it belongs: in the courts.”
The statement also highlighted the need for dignity, fairness, and balance in handling the matter, urging all stakeholders to avoid actions that could compromise the integrity of the judicial process.
Among those present at the meeting were Dame Julie Donli, Princess Rosemary John-Oduone, Hon. Dr. Stella Ayamara Dorgu, and Chief Dr. Mrs. Duenize Ogon, among others.
Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, OON, addressed the Press as Convener of the Ijaw Women Advocates for Justice.
Reaffirming their stance, the group concluded: “Justice is a process. Justice is not noise. Justice is not speculation. Let the courts do their work, and let no individual be condemned before judgment, nor absolved outside the law.”