The National Democratic Front, on Friday, called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to intervene in the political crisis in Rivers State.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ikenna Ezenekwe, in Abuja, the NDF expressed dissatisfaction with the judgement delivered by Justice Joyce AbdulMalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which barred the Central Bank of Nigeria from releasing monthly allocations to the state.
The group alleged that some politicians undermine the judicial system for personal gain in what it described as a severe erosion of integrity within Nigeria’s judiciary, noting that such actions threaten both President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the judiciary’s standing.
The NDF added that the order would likely cripple essential services in health, education, and infrastructure, while also leaving rural farmers and market women to bear the brunt of the judiciary’s instability.
“The people of Rivers deserve a judiciary that serves justice, not political whims. Madam Chief Justice, the soul of the Nigerian judiciary is at stake. Do not allow political marauders to reduce the last bastion of the common man’s hope to a mere pawn on a chessboard of ambition.
“You must halt this desecration of our justice system. Stand with the people, protect our democracy, and let the Nigerian judiciary emerge unscathed from these tribulations. It’s disturbing that such an order was issued on a matter still under deliberation.
“It’s scandalous that court orders, seemingly bought and paid for, could halt the funds essential to basic services in Rivers State. Health clinics, schools, and public safety resources now hang in the balance—all because of one man’s vendetta.
“The Nigerian judiciary’s integrity is at stake, and continued exploitation will have severe repercussions, not only for Rivers State but for the nation as a whole,” the statement partly read.
The group recounted the recent turmoil during the local government elections, which saw conflicting court rulings incite public outrage, leading to clashes that left government buildings and properties destroyed.
“This is a pathway to anarchy,” the NDF warned, citing the potential resurgence of militant activities reminiscent of the Niger Delta insurgency.
“Rivers State is still healing from recent violence and property damage tied to conflicting rulings around local government elections, and this continued legal manipulation could easily spark further unrest,” the group added.
While reflecting on the root of the crisis, the NDF pointed to the defection of 27 Rivers State Assembly lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, a move that sparked ongoing legal disputes over the legitimacy of their seats.
“This political manoeuvre has put the judiciary in an awkward position, with conflicting rulings that threaten to undermine public confidence in Nigerian courts.”
Failure to act, the group warned, would not only risk further degradation of the judiciary’s credibility but could invite political violence and economic instability back into the state.
Read the full article here
