The National Democratic Front (NDF) has issued a public plea to the Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to intervene in what they describe as a severe erosion of integrity within Nigeria’s judiciary. The group accuses former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike of undermining the judicial system for personal gain, alleging his actions threaten both President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the judiciary’s standing.
In a statement on October 31, 2024, signed by its Spokesperson Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, NDF — a prominent civic organization —condemned the recent surge in “conflicting and compromised judicial rulings” surrounding the Rivers State crisis, particularly those allegedly aimed at benefiting Wike’s political agenda.
NDF’s statement emphasized the need for urgent judicial reform, noting that the judiciary, as the “last hope of the common man,” cannot afford to be reduced to a tool for personal vendettas. The group pointed specifically to recent court decisions, including an order to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) halting monthly allocations to Rivers State.
“It’s disturbing that such an order was issued on a matter still under deliberation,” the statement partly read.
The NDF further emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that such court orders, issued especially while cases remain unresolved, are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues and illustrate a total disregard for the rule of law.
“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 group argued.
“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,” it further cautioned.
The group warned that depriving Rivers State of critical funds endangers the lives of countless citizens, particularly rural communities, market traders, and low-income families, further expressing concern for the wider impact of such order on Rivers State citizens, particularly vulnerable groups reliant on government services.
According to them, the halting of funds would likely cripple essential services in health, education, and infrastructure, leaving rural farmers and market women to bear the brunt of the judiciary’s instability.
While calling for decisive action, the NDF urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to investigate the motivations behind recent judicial rulings linked to Rivers State, noting that unchecked political influence could plunge the already volatile Niger Delta region into chaos.
The NDF also drew attention to the recent spate of violence and property damage across Rivers State, which they attribute to Wike’s influence and “mischief.”
The statement recounted the recent turmoil during the local government elections this year, which saw conflicting court rulings incite public outrage, leading to clashes that left government buildings and properties destroyed.
“This is a pathway to anarchy,” NDF warned, citing the potential resurgence of militant activities reminiscent of the Niger Delta insurgency.
It further warned that the socio-political fabric of Rivers State is being shredded by these judicial abuses, which, if unchecked, the consequences could reverberate through the entire Niger Delta and beyond.
“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.”
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 (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that sparked ongoing legal disputes over the legitimacy of their seats.
“This political maneuver,” the statement argued, “has put the judiciary in an awkward position, with conflicting rulings that threaten to undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s courts.”
The NDF called on the Chief Judge to uphold the judiciary’s independence, free from “the grip of political godfathers.”
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 Rivers State.
“The people of Rivers deserve a judiciary that serves justice, not political whims,” the statement concluded, further pressing for judicial accountability to prevent the return of the region’s turbulent past.
“Madam Chief Judge, 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.”
