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 NDF accused former Rivers State Governor and current FCT minister, Nyesom Wike of undermining the judicial system for personal gain, alleging his actions threaten both President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the judiciary.
In a statement on Thursday, October 31, 2024, signed by its Spokesperson Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, the NDF 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.
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 group declared.
The NDF further stated: “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 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.”
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.
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.
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.”
“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,” the group said.
The NDF called on the CJN 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,” the statement concluded.
