HURIWA Commends Appeal Court for Halting ‘Democratic Subversion’ in Rivers
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has hailed the Appeal Court’s judgment nullifying the Federal High Court’s order to seize Rivers State’s statutory allocation as a significant victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The association praised the Appeal Court’s decision for upholding the principles of federalism and safeguarding the judiciary’s […]
hammer court with scales justice lawyer
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has hailed the Appeal Court’s judgment nullifying the Federal High Court’s order to seize Rivers State’s statutory allocation as a significant victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The association praised the Appeal Court’s decision for upholding the principles of federalism and safeguarding the judiciary’s integrity from undue political interference.
In a judgment delivered on December 13, 2024, by Justice Barka, the Court of Appeal declared that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit seeking to seize Rivers State’s statutory allocation and revenue. Justice Barka emphasized that the mere inclusion of federal agencies in the suit did not automatically confer jurisdiction on the Federal High Court. He further noted that the subject matter of the case; the appropriation of a state’s resources fell squarely under the jurisdiction of the state high courts.
HURIWA, along with other advocacy groups and legal experts, lauded the Appeal Court’s decision as a historic moment for Nigeria’s democratic consolidation. In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the judgment as a resounding affirmation of judicial independence and a necessary check against the reckless abuse of court processes to achieve political vendettas.
“The judgment delivered by the Appeal Court is not just a victory for Rivers State; it is a triumph for democracy and the sanctity of the judiciary in Nigeria. By nullifying the flawed ruling of the Federal High Court, the Appeal Court has demonstrated that the judiciary must remain the last hope of the common man, free from political manipulation and malice,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA further criticized the actions of the pro-Wike group, accusing them of attempting to destabilize Rivers State through spurious legal maneuvers. The group noted that the Federal High Court’s initial order to seize the state’s allocation would have caused untold hardship to the people of Rivers State and plunged the state into political and economic chaos.
“The pro-Wike group’s desperate attempt to cripple Rivers State’s finances and undermine its governance structure was a clear act of political sabotage. Such actions, if left unchecked, would have set a dangerous precedent, threatening the very fabric of federalism and democracy in Nigeria,” Onwubiko added.
HURIWA commended the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition and other civil society organizations for their steadfast commitment to defending democracy and the rule of law. The association noted that the Appeal Court’s judgment had averted a constitutional crisis that could have spiraled into anarchy.
“The Appeal Court’s decision also clarified key legal principles regarding the jurisdiction of courts in matters relating to state governance. According to Justice Barka, the Federal High Court erred in entertaining a matter that fell exclusively under the jurisdiction of the state high courts. The judgment reaffirmed that issues related to state appropriation acts are internal affairs of the state and must be addressed within the framework of state laws and courts.
“This landmark judgment has also reaffirmed the sacred principles of our constitutional democracy. It underscores the importance of respecting the separation of powers and the autonomy of states within the Nigerian federation. The Appeal Court’s interpretation of established judicial principles is a testament to the robustness of our legal system,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA also used the occasion to call for greater accountability within the judiciary, urging judges to resist the temptation of being used as tools for political vendettas.
The association stressed that the judiciary’s role is to uphold justice and protect the rights of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliations.