Legal turmoil: CJN must immediately stop Wike’s alleged power play in Rivers state crisis

• The National Democratic Front (NDF) has urged Nigerian Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to intervene in the Rivers judicial crisis.
• The NDF condemned conflicting court rulings, particularly an injunction that halted allocations to Rivers State
• The organization stressed that unchecked political influence could destabilize the Niger Delta and called on the CJN to protect the independence of the judiciary to prevent further unrest.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has made an urgent appeal to the country’s chief justice Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging her to intervene amid what they described as a significant erosion of integrity within the Nigerian judiciary.

The civil society group also accused the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, of undermining the justice system for his personal gain.

They alleged that his actions threaten both President Bola Tinubu’s government and the reputation of the judiciary.

This was contained in a statement released on October 31, 2024 and signed by the spokesperson, Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe.

The NDF condemned the emergence of “conflicting and compromised judicial rulings” linked to the ongoing Rivers State crisis, especially those apparently serving Wike’s political agenda.

“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man and cannot be reduced to an instrument of personal revenge,” the statement said.

NDF criticizes the Supreme Court’s ruling on the allocation of rivers

The group stressed the urgent need for judicial reforms, citing a recent court order directing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop monthly allocations to Rivers State.

“It is disturbing that such an order has been issued on a matter that is still under consideration,” the NDF stressed.

Furthermore, the NDF expressed concern over the potential consequences of such court decisions, arguing that court orders, perceived as influenced by personal interests, could jeopardize essential services in Rivers State.

“Health clinics, schools and public safety facilities are now at stake – all because of one man’s revenge,” they claimed.

The organization warned that cutting off funding would have serious consequences for vulnerable communities, especially rural populations, market traders and low-income families.

The NDF urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to probe the motivations behind recent court rulings related to Rivers State, suggesting that unchecked political influence could plummet the already volatile situation. Niger Delta region in chaos.

“This is a road to anarchy,” NDF warned.

They reiterated that the socio-political fabric of Rivers State is at risk, and that the judicial abuses, if left unchecked, could have wider implications for the entire region.

The NDF called on the Chief Justice to ensure the independence of the judiciary, free from “the grip of political godfathers.”

They warned that inaction could lead to the return of political violence and economic instability to Rivers State.

Timi Frank accuses Tinubu of a plot to depose the Fubara government

In another development, Legit.ng reported that the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), comrade Timi Frank, has accused the president Bola Tinubu of orchestrating a plot to oust the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, from office.

In a statement quoted by Legit.ng on November 1, in AbujaFrank condemned the court’s decision, describing it as part of a larger strategy by the President to force Fubara to join the APC or face removal.

Source: Legit.ng