Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigeria’s judiciary to consider the potential for unrest when making decisions that impact Rivers State.
This follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt payments to Rivers, sparking concerns over political motives.
Atiku, in a statement released by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, questioned the impartiality of the court’s decision, suggesting that “elements loyal to the Federal Government” were influencing the judgment. He specifically raised concerns about the recent ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which came despite the Rivers State Government’s appeal of an earlier Court of Appeal ruling on its 2024 budget.
“Last week, the Court of Appeal declared that the Rivers State budget was illegal because it was passed by an inchoate assembly,” Atiku noted. “The court ordered Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the budget afresh. The Rivers State Government has already filed a notice of appeal so that the Supreme Court can hear the matter.”
Atiku also criticized what he described as “judicial interference” by elements within the Tinubu administration. He alleged that “some elements in the Bola Tinubu administration have procured a judgment intended to undermine the Supreme Court.”
He further referenced concerns raised by prominent lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who had warned Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, about potential compromises, specifically referencing reports of judges in Abuja receiving “house gifts.” According to Atiku, “Falana’s warning was ignored,” raising concerns about judicial integrity.
The former Vice President commended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for summoning judges presiding over cases involving Rivers State and appealed to her to take decisive action against any judges found guilty of misconduct. “Nigeria has descended into the theatre of the absurd since the Tinubu administration took office,” he said, criticizing the role of the courts in what he described as political crises within states and parties.
Atiku drew parallels with the annulment of Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 election, saying, “From the emirship tussle in Kano State to the Rivers imbroglio, courts are going as far as preventing elections from holding, taking Nigeria back to the dark days of June 12, 1993, where polls were annulled.”
He expressed concern that conflicting court orders and allegations of judicial influence were undermining public trust. “Sadly, under the leadership of those who claim to have fought for Nigeria’s democracy, the country is descending into chaos with conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction flying all over the place while judges are being induced in the name of empowerment and provision of houses,” Atiku said. “The result is that Nigerians are gradually losing confidence in an institution which prides itself as the last hope of the common man. Foreign investors will avoid any place where judgments can be bought by the highest bidder.”
Warning of the broader consequences, Atiku noted that Rivers State, which contributes nearly 25% of Nigeria’s oil revenue, is too significant to risk instability. He urged President Tinubu to prioritize Nigeria’s well-being over political ambitions. “For a country facing an economic crisis worsened by vandalism and banditry, Tinubu should put his 2027 ambition aside and put Nigeria’s interest first,” he said.
Atiku concluded by calling on the judiciary to uphold its integrity, emphasizing, “Nigeria should not descend to the Hobbesian state of nature where life is short, nasty, and brutish, where citizens opt for self-help. We call on the Nigerian judiciary to restore its image before it gets too late.”
