The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed grave concern over the recent Federal High Court ruling that prevents the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government.
In a statement signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, the organization warned that judicial decisions of this nature pose serious risks to Nigeria’s democracy, economic stability, and public confidence in the judiciary.
“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 principles of Nigeria’s democracy,” Rafsanjani stated. “Nigeria’s states are integral parts of our constitutional framework, led by elected governors responsible for managing resources for citizens’ benefit. Blocking allocations not only undermines this autonomy but sets a dangerous precedent, threatening stability and endangering regions that are currently at peace.”
Rafsanjani highlighted the growing perception that certain judicial actors may be compromising the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary. “In the past, positions in our judiciary were held with integrity, and reckless rulings were unthinkable. However, recent events in Kano and Rivers indicate a concerning trend, where rulings risk eroding public trust, discouraging investment, and challenging the stability of our judicial systems.”
The statement underscored the importance of international accountability, stating, “Judicial officers should bear in mind that organizations like Transparency International and the World Justice Project evaluate judiciary systems globally. Nigeria’s position on the Transparency Perception Index reflects a need for transparent governance. Actions that disrupt constitutional allocations harm our global standing and discourage potential investors who rely on a credible judiciary.”
He called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to act decisively to uphold judicial standards and caution judges against rulings that could inadvertently destabilize Nigeria’s democracy or economy. “CISLAC urges the judiciary to hold firm to democratic values, ensuring decisions respect the constitution and reflect the will of Nigerians, thus safeguarding both state and national stability.”
“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 else,” the statement concluded. “Our nation’s stability, unity, and progress must remain at the forefront of governance efforts.
