Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a warning to the judiciary, urging them to act judiciously to prevent potential unrest in Rivers State following a recent Federal High Court decision in Abuja. The court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt all payments to the state, a move that has sparked significant concern.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed dismay over the actions of certain individuals allegedly aligned with the Federal Government, who are reportedly influencing judicial matters from behind the scenes.
Atiku questioned the rationale behind Justice Joyce Abdulmalik’s order, especially given that Rivers State had already filed an appeal against a Court of Appeal ruling that deemed the state’s 2024 budget illegal. “Last week, the Court of Appeal declared the Rivers State budget illegal because it was passed by an incomplete assembly, and ordered Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resubmit the budget,” Atiku noted.
He further explained that the Rivers State Government has already escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. Yet, certain elements within the Bola Tinubu administration appear to be undermining this process. He referenced legal expert Femi Falana (SAN), who had previously alerted Justice John Tsoho, Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, about potential judicial compromises involving gifts to judges, a warning that went unheeded.
Atiku commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her proactive measures in summoning judges involved in the Rivers State cases. He urged her to ensure accountability and discipline among the judiciary to restore its integrity.
“Nigeria has become a theatre of absurdity since the Tinubu administration took office,” Atiku remarked. “Courts are increasingly involved in political crises, from the emirship dispute in Kano State to the current turmoil in Rivers State, where judicial orders are obstructing elections. This echoes the dark days of June 12, 1993, when elections were annulled.”
He lamented the current state of the judiciary, where conflicting orders from courts of equal status are rampant, and judges are allegedly being influenced under the guise of empowerment and housing provisions. This situation, Atiku warned, erodes public confidence in the judiciary, traditionally seen as the last hope for justice, and deters foreign investment.
“Nigeria must not regress to a Hobbesian state of nature, where life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short, and citizens resort to self-help,” Atiku cautioned. He emphasized Rivers State’s critical contribution to Nigeria’s economy, accounting for nearly 25% of the nation’s oil assets. “In light of our economic challenges, exacerbated by vandalism and banditry, President Tinubu should prioritize Nigeria’s interests over personal political ambitions.”
Atiku concluded by calling on the Nigerian judiciary to take urgent steps to rehabilitate its reputation before it is irreparably damaged.
