A Call for Judicial Integrity: NDF Appeals to Chief Judge Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

In a recent public statement, the National Democratic Front (NDF) has called for intervention from the Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, concerning what they deem a critical erosion of integrity within the Nigerian judiciary. The group expresses grave concerns over the alleged actions of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who they accuse of undermining the judicial system for personal gain.

On October 31, 2024, the NDF outlined in their statement the troubling rise of “conflicting and compromised judicial rulings” associated with the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. They contend that recent court decisions, particularly an order aimed at halting the monthly allocations from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Rivers State, appear to favor Wike’s political aspirations at the expense of the state’s governance and welfare.

The NDF described it as “disturbing” that judicial decisions are being rendered on matters still under deliberation, asserting that the issuance of such orders jeopardizes essential services for citizens. “It’s scandalous that court orders, seemingly bought and paid for, could halt funds essential to basic services in Rivers State,” they remarked. The repercussions of these actions, they warn, could be catastrophic for public health, education, and infrastructure, affecting vulnerable populations, particularly in rural communities.

The group has urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to scrutinize the motivations underlying recent judicial rulings, emphasizing that unchecked political influence poses a significant threat not only to Rivers State but also to national stability. The NDF also highlighted ongoing violence and property damage in Rivers, attributing these instabilities to Wike’s purported manipulations of the legal system.

Emphasizing the need for judicial independence, the NDF implored the Chief Judge to safeguard the judiciary against political exploitation. They articulated that the integrity of the judiciary is paramount; failure to address these issues could lead to further degradation of its credibility and potential unrest in the Niger Delta region.

In closing, the NDF’s statement beseeches CJN Kekere-Ekun to protect the judiciary as a bastion of hope for the common citizen, urging her to “halt this desecration of our justice system” and reaffirm the judiciary’s role in upholding justice, free from political interference. The appeal underscores a pressing need for accountability to prevent a regression into the turbulent past that the region has only recently begun to overcome.