Segun Adeyemi

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<h2>The National Democratic Front (NDF) has issued a stern call to Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging her to intervene in what it terms a “severe erosion of integrity” within Nigeria’s judiciary, particularly concerning ongoing conflicts in Rivers State.</h2>

In a statement released on Thursday, October 31, the NDF condemned a troubling trend of “conflicting and compromised judicial rulings,” alleging that actions by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s associates threaten both the judiciary's credibility and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The NDF’s Spokesperson, Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, highlighted recent court orders, including a controversial directive halting monthly allocations to Rivers State from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“It’s disturbing that such an order was issued on a matter still under deliberation,” the statement read.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p">N</a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p">igerians</a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p"> </a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p">losing</a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p"> </a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p">faith</a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p"> </a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p">in</a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p"> </a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p">judiciary</a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p"> – Atiku on Rivers verdi</a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p">c</a><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/atiku-on-rivers-verdict-nigerians-losing-faith-in-judiciary/0jmcq3p">t</a>

The group expressed deep concerns over how these orders jeopardise essential services, stating, “Health clinics, schools, and public safety resources now hang in the balance—all because of one man’s vendetta.”

The NDF cautioned that continued exploitation of the judiciary could lead to severe repercussions for the nation, warning that “the Nigerian judiciary’s integrity is at stake.”

They emphasised that depriving Rivers State of critical funds could endanger lives, particularly among vulnerable communities reliant on government services.

READ ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/rivers-ruling-fubara-blames-tinubus-peace-accord-gives-reason/ppw1l24">Rivers Verdict: Fubara faults Tinubu's peace accord, gives key reason</a>

Pointing to recent violence during local government elections, the NDF noted the risk of further unrest, stating, “This is a pathway to anarchy,” and citing potential resurgences of militant activities reminiscent of the Niger Delta insurgency.

The NDF urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to investigate recent judicial decisions and uphold the judiciary’s independence, free from political influence.

“The people of Rivers deserve a judiciary that serves justice, not political whims,” the statement concluded, calling for urgent judicial accountability to avert a return to the region’s turbulent past.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been nominated as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria by the National Judicial Council. [Punch]

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has issued a stern call to Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging her to intervene in what it terms a “severe erosion of integrity” within Nigeria’s judiciary, particularly concerning ongoing conflicts in Rivers State.

Rivers Verdict: CJN told to evoke immediate judicial reform in Fubara, Wike feud

<h2>Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned a recent court ruling suspending financial allocations to Rivers State, warning that it could erode public trust in Nigeria's judiciary. </h2>

The Abuja Federal High Court's order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing funds to Rivers has sparked fierce reactions, especially Atiku, who expressed deep concern over what he described as "federal interference" in state matters.

The injunction, issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, prevents the state from receiving allocations until a properly constituted Rivers State House of Assembly passes an "appropriation act."

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/rivers-ruling-fubara-blames-tinubus-peace-accord-gives-reason/ppw1l24">Rivers Verdict: Fubara faults Tinubu's peace accord, gives key reason</a>

Martins Amaewhule's faction of the state assembly brought the suit, questioning the validity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara's budget presented to a five-member assembly.

Through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku argued that the decision to grant the injunction while Rivers' appeal remains pending is problematic.

"The judiciary's actions could destabilise Rivers State," Atiku warned, adding that "elements loyal to the federal government were pulling strings from behind."

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/rivers-governor-told-to-refund-illegally-spent-funds-after-court-ruling/fcsrb1c">Rivers Crisis: Fubara told to refund illegally spent funds after court ruling</a>

He further questioned the ruling's timing, pointing out that the Rivers State government had already filed a notice of appeal to bring the case before the Supreme Court.

Citing earlier alerts from senior lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who had warned of possible judicial compromise involving gifts allegedly given to judges, Atiku's statement condemned the court's dismissal of these concerns.

"Falana's warning was ignored," the statement read, with Atiku underscoring that these developments pose a significant threat to Nigeria's judicial integrity and state autonomy.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. [Getty Images]

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned a recent court ruling suspending financial allocations to Rivers State, warning that it could erode public trust in Nigeria's judiciary.

Nigerians losing faith in judiciary – Atiku on Rivers verdict

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Rivers Verdict

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