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The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has voiced concern regarding a recent ruling by the Federal High Court, which prohibits the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government.
This decision raises alarms about the potential implications for state governance and financial stability.Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, highlighted in a signed statement that judicial rulings of this kind pose a severe risk to Nigeria’s democracy, threaten economic stability, and undermine the public’s trust in the judicial system. He urged for careful consideration of the impact of such decisions on the nation’s governance.
“It is deeply troubling that certain judicial rulings appear to serve the interests of a select few, undermining the rule of law and the foundational tenets of Nigeria’s democracy,” Rafsanjani stated.
“Nigeria’s states are vital components of our constitutional framework, led by elected governors charged with managing resources for the benefit of citizens. Blocking allocations not only undermines this autonomy but sets a dangerous precedent, risking destabilization and endangering regions currently at peace.”
Rafsanjani drew attention to the increasing belief among the public that certain judicial actors are undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary. He emphasized that such perceptions could further erode trust in a system meant to uphold justice and fairness.
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“In the past, positions in our judiciary were held with integrity, and reckless rulings were unthinkable. But recent events in Kano and Rivers suggest a troubling trend, where rulings risk eroding public trust, discouraging investment, and further challenging our judicial processes and systems.”
The statement stressed the critical role of international accountability, stating, “Judicial officers should be aware that organizations such as Transparency International and the World Justice Project conduct global rankings of judiciary systems.” This sheds light on on global standards highlights the importance of maintaining integrity in the judicial process.
Nigeria’s position on the Transparency Perception Index reflects our need for transparent governance. Actions that disrupt constitutional allocations will only harm our global standing and drive away potential investors who lack confidence in the judicial system.”
He urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to act decisively in maintaining judicial standards and to caution judges against rulings that could inadvertently destabilize Nigeria’s democracy or economic structure.
“CISLAC urges the judiciary to hold firm to democratic values, ensuring decisions respect the constitution and reflect the will of Nigerians, safeguarding both state and national stability.”
“In these challenging times, CISLAC calls on the judiciary, the executive, and all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and prioritize the welfare of Nigerians above all other considerations,” the statement concluded. “Our nation’s stability, unity, and progress must remain at the forefront of governance efforts.”