CISLAC Raises Concerns Over Federal High Court Ruling on Rivers Allocation

By :Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna 

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concern over a recent Federal High Court ruling that restricts the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions from releasing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by CISLAC's Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, he warned that such judicial decisions pose a serious threat to Nigeria's democracy, economic stability, and public confidence in the judicial system. "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.

Rafsanjani emphasized that Nigeria's states are vital components of the constitutional framework, led by elected governors charged with managing resources for citizens. Blocking allocations undermines this autonomy, setting a dangerous precedent that risks destabilization and endangers regions currently at peace.

He also highlighted the growing perception that some judicial actors are compromising Nigeria's judiciary integrity. "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 challenging judicial processes and systems."

The statement noted the importance of international accountability, citing organizations like Transparency International and the World Justice Project that rank judiciary systems globally. Nigeria's position on the Transparency Perception Index reflects the need for transparent governance. Disrupting constitutional allocations will harm Nigeria's global standing and drive away potential investors lacking confidence in the judicial system.

Rafsanjani urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to maintain judicial standards and caution judges against rulings that could 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."

The statement concluded, "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. Our nation's stability, unity, and progress must remain at the forefront of governance efforts."