The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre ,CISLAC has voiced strong concerns over a recent ruling by the Federal High Court, which bars the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and other financial institutions from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government.
According to CISLAC, this decision could have grave repercussions for Nigeria’s democracy and regional stability.
In a press statement signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organization emphasized that “judicial decisions of this nature pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, economic stability, and the public’s 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. He explained that the autonomy of states is crucial to Nigeria’s constitutional framework, noting that governors are elected to manage resources for the welfare of their citizens. “Blocking allocations not only undermines this autonomy but sets a dangerous precedent, risking destabilization and endangering regions currently at peace,” he added.
Rafsanjani expressed concerns over the perceived erosion of integrity within the judiciary. “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 CISLAC statement further highlighted the role of global accountability metrics. “Judicial officers should remember that organizations like Transparency International and the World Justice Project rank judiciary systems globally,” it said. “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.”
In his statement, Rafsanjani called on 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.” He continued, “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 organization concluded with a plea for unity and democratic integrity. “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,” Rafsanjani stressed. “Our nation’s stability, unity, and progress must remain at the forefront of governance efforts.”
