The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) on Wednesday criticized a 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, calling it a serious threat to democracy.
In a statement, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, warned that judicial decisions of this kind erode democracy, economic stability, and public confidence in the judicial system.
Rafsanjani stated, “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. Nigeria’s states are vital components of our constitutional framework, led by elected governors charged with managing resources for the benefit of citizens. Blocking allocations not only undermines this autonomy but sets a dangerous precedent, risking destabilization and endangering regions currently at peace.”
He expressed concern over a perceived compromise in the judiciary’s integrity, pointing to recent rulings in Kano and Rivers as signs of a troubling trend that risks eroding public trust, discouraging investment, and challenging Nigeria’s judicial framework.
Rafsanjani further emphasized the importance of judicial reputation, highlighting how rankings by organizations such as Transparency International and the World Justice Project impact Nigeria’s standing on the global stage. He noted, “Actions that disrupt constitutional allocations will only harm our global standing and drive away potential investors who lack confidence in the judicial system.”
Meanwhile, Rafsanjani urged Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to uphold judicial standards and caution judges against destabilizing decisions.
“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. Our nation’s stability, unity, and progress must remain at the forefront of governance efforts,” he concluded.
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