Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concern over a recent Federal High Court ruling that blocks the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions from releasing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government.
This decision, according to CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy, economic stability, and public trust in the judicial system.
Rafsanjani emphasized that Nigeria’s states are crucial components of the country’s constitutional framework, with elected governors responsible for managing resources for the benefit of citizens.
By blocking allocations, the court’s ruling undermines this autonomy, setting a dangerous precedent that risks destabilization and endangers regions currently at peace.
CISLAC also highlighted the growing perception that some judicial actors are compromising the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary. Rafsanjani noted that recent events in Kano and Rivers suggest a troubling trend, where rulings erode public trust, discourage investment, and challenge judicial processes.
The organization stressed the importance of international accountability, pointing out that organizations like Transparency International and the World Justice Project rank judiciary systems globally.
Nigeria’s position on the Transparency Perception Index reflects the need for transparent governance, and actions that disrupt constitutional allocations will harm the country’s global standing and deter potential investors.
CISLAC urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to maintain judicial standards and caution judges against rulings that could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy or economy.
The organization called on the judiciary, executive, and stakeholders to uphold democratic principles, prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians above all else, to ensure the nation’s stability, unity, and progress remain at the forefront of governance efforts.
