Atiku Blasts Judiciary Over Rivers Political Crisis

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized Nigeria’s judiciary, alleging it has played a detrimental role in intensifying political tensions across the nation. His remarks were issued through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Wednesday, in response to a recent Federal High Court judgment impacting Rivers State’s finances.

The judgment from the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, prohibited the Federal Government from disbursing monthly allocations to Rivers State. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/984/24, was filed by the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Defendants in the case included Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State Accountant-General, the State Independent Electoral Commission, the Chief Judge of Rivers, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi, RSIEC Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), as well as financial entities such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, and the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that Governor Fubara violated constitutional procedures by presenting the 2024 budget to a diminished four-member House of Assembly. In his reaction, Atiku condemned the judiciary’s involvement, arguing it could exacerbate instability in Rivers State. He questioned the timing and intent of Justice Abdulmalik’s decision, especially since the legality of the state’s 2024 budget was already under appeal.

“Last week, the Court of Appeal declared the Rivers State budget illegal due to its passage by an incomplete assembly,” Atiku noted. “Governor Fubara was ordered to re-present the budget, and the Rivers State Government promptly filed an appeal for the Supreme Court’s intervention. Nevertheless, certain actors within the Tinubu administration have reportedly influenced a ruling intended to undermine this appeal.”

Atiku further claimed that prominent lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) had previously warned the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, about potential judicial compromise involving gifts to certain judges. Falana’s concerns, however, went unaddressed.

The former Vice President commended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for convening a meeting with judges involved in Rivers State cases. He urged the Chief Justice to hold any erring judges accountable, stressing the importance of preserving the judiciary’s integrity.

In his statement, Atiku voiced concern over the state of Nigeria’s judiciary under the Tinubu administration. “Courts are playing an increasingly divisive role, disrupting political stability in states and within parties alike. From the emirship crisis in Kano to Rivers’ escalating tensions, courts are issuing orders that prevent elections, reminiscent of the June 12, 1993, annulment period,” he stated.

He condemned the alleged judicial compromises, citing inducements for judges under the guise of empowerment and housing provisions. “This has undermined public confidence in an institution once hailed as the last hope of the common man. Foreign investors will avoid any environment where judgments can be swayed by the highest bidder.”

Atiku warned that Nigeria risks descending into chaos, urging the judiciary to restore its image before public trust is further eroded. He concluded with a call to the Tinubu administration to prioritize national stability over political ambitions, emphasizing Rivers State’s vital contribution to the nation’s economy. “Rivers accounts for nearly 25% of Nigeria’s oil resources. Amid an economic crisis intensified by vandalism and insecurity, Tinubu must set aside personal aspirations for 2027 and prioritize Nigeria’s welfare.”