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The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has voiced strong disapproval over a recent Federal High Court decision barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government.
CISLAC warns that such judicial actions pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy, economic stability, and public trust in the judiciary.
In a statement, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed concerns that certain judicial decisions appear to serve narrow interests, potentially undermining Nigeria’s democratic foundation. “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,” Rafsanjani stated. He argued that states are essential components of Nigeria’s federal structure, governed by elected leaders who are entrusted with managing resources to serve citizens. By withholding state allocations, he warned, this autonomy is compromised, setting a “dangerous precedent” that could destabilize otherwise peaceful regions.
Rafsanjani also highlighted a perceived erosion in judicial integrity, noting instances in Rivers and Kano that have cast doubts on Nigeria’s judicial independence. “In the past, positions in our judiciary were held with integrity, and reckless rulings were unthinkable. But recent events…suggest a troubling trend, where rulings risk eroding public trust, discouraging investment, and further challenging our judicial processes and systems,” he said.
The statement further emphasized the importance of global accountability, urging judicial officers to consider Nigeria’s international reputation. Citing indices like the Transparency Perception Index, Rafsanjani warned that actions compromising constitutional allocations damage Nigeria’s standing and may deter foreign investors who prioritize legal and economic stability.
CISLAC called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to safeguard judicial standards, urging judges to avoid rulings that could inadvertently threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability or economic growth. “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,” Rafsanjani stressed.
Concluding, Rafsanjani appealed to all branches of government and stakeholders to prioritize Nigeria’s democratic principles and citizens’ welfare. “Our nation’s stability, unity, and progress must remain at the forefront