The Group urges CJN to intervene in the Rivers crisis

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 over the judgment of 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 are undermining the justice system for personal gain in what it described as a serious erosion of integrity within the Nigerian judiciary, noting that such actions threaten the administration of President Bola Tinubu as well as the position of the judiciary .

The NDF added that the order was likely to paralyze essential services in health, education and infrastructure, while rural farmers and market women would also bear the brunt of the instability of the judiciary.

“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 plunderers to reduce the last bastion of the common man’s hope to a mere pawn on a chessboard of ambition.

“You must stop this desecration of our justice system. Support the people, protect our democracy and allow the Nigerian judiciary to emerge from these ordeals unscathed. It is disturbing that such an order has been issued on a matter that is still under consideration.

“It is outrageous that court orders, seemingly bought and paid for, can stop funds essential for basic services in Rivers State. Health clinics, schools and public safety facilities are now at stake – all because of one man’s revenge.

“The integrity of the Nigerian judiciary is at stake, and continued exploitation will have dire consequences not only for Rivers State but for the nation as a whole,” the statement said in part.

The group recounted the recent unrest during the local government elections, where conflicting court rulings sparked public outrage, leading to clashes that destroyed government buildings and properties.

“This is a path to anarchy,” the NDF warned, citing the possible resurgence of militant activities reminiscent of the Niger Delta insurgency.

“Rivers State is still healing from recent violence and property damage resulting from conflicting rulings surrounding local government elections, and this continued legal manipulation could easily lead to further unrest,” the group added.

While pondering the root cause of the crisis, the NDF pointed to the defection of 27 Rivers State Assembly lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, a move that sparked ongoing legal challenges over the legitimacy of their seats.

“This political maneuver has put the judiciary in an awkward position, with contradictory rulings that threaten to undermine public confidence in the Nigerian courts.”

Failure to take action, the group warned, would not only risk further damaging the credibility of the judiciary, but could also lead to political violence and economic instability in the state.