HURIWA raises alarm over plot to seize Rivers allocation

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over recent developments in the legal handling of cases involving Rivers State. HURIWA said it is alarmed by the actions of Justice Barka, Presiding Judge of the Abuja Court of Appeal. The organisation called on the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Chief Justice of […]

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over recent developments in the legal handling of cases involving Rivers State.

HURIWA said it is alarmed by the actions of Justice Barka, Presiding Judge of the Abuja Court of Appeal.

The organisation called on the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), and the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) to investigate Justice Barka’s actions, which the group fears could undermine the financial stability of the state.

HURIWA’s alarm comes amid a series of controversies involving Rivers State.

“On November 14, 2024, a special panel was set up to hear appeals concerning the state, with matters scheduled for today’s hearing. However, last night, under intense political pressure from forces allegedly linked to loyalists of a former Governor, the special panel was abruptly disbanded. The disbandment followed a ruling by the same panel that favored Rivers State, leading to suspicions of external influence to manipulate legal outcomes.

“Justice Barka, allegedly influenced by powerful political forces, disbanded the panel and reassigned its cases to his direct supervision. This move jeopardizes the impartiality of the judiciary and raises concerns about undue interference in the state’s legal matters, especially those tied to the control of federal allocations.

“This recent development is not occurring in isolation. Just days ago, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, overturned a Federal High Court ruling that had halted the October 5 local government elections in Rivers State. The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had initially restrained the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) from conducting the elections, citing jurisdictional issues and restrictions on the use of the 2023 voters’ register.

“However, the Rivers State government contested this decision, arguing that Justice Lifu lacked the authority to preside over state election matters. The Court of Appeal agreed, ruling that the Federal High Court had overstepped its bounds, as the relevant sections of the Electoral Act did not apply to state elections. This was seen as a significant legal victory for the Rivers State government, affirming the state’s authority over its electoral processes.”.

“In light of these legal victories for Rivers State, HURIWA is troubled by the sudden dissolution of the special panel, especially as it coincides with ongoing financial disputes related to the state’s federal allocations. The organization believes that Justice Barka’s decision to consolidate these matters under his own jurisdiction could compromise the fairness of rulings, potentially disadvantaging the state in its legal struggles.

“HURIWA highlighted the significance of maintaining judicial impartiality, particularly in cases that impact a state’s financial stability and autonomy. The group fears that if the judiciary is seen as susceptible to political influence, public trust in the legal system will erode, and the rule of law will be compromised.

“In response to these developments, HURIWA urged the NJC, the CJN, and the PCA to urgently investigate Justice Barka’s actions. The organization emphasized the need for an independent and impartial judiciary, free from political pressures that might sway its rulings. HURIWA called for transparency in the handling of Rivers State’s cases, especially those involving the state’s financial interests, and insisted that any judge found to be compromised should face disciplinary measures.

“HURIWA stands for a judiciary that is accountable and free from manipulation,” the group stated in a statement by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator, HURIWA.