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HURIWA demands Visa Ban on Judges over controversial rulings in Rivers State

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HURIWA has condemned recent Federal High Court judgments that halted federal allocations to Rivers State, calling them a “constitutional coup.” The group demands visa restrictions on judges involved, citing potential threats to democracy and stability in the region.

Published

5 months ago

October 31, 2024

Emmanuel Abiodun

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a fierce condemnation of recent judgments from the Federal High Court, calling for visa restrictions on judges allegedly engaging in politically motivated decisions that destabilize Rivers State.

The organization specifically targets judges, including Chief Judge John Tsoho and Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, following rulings that halted federal financial allocations to the state—an action HURIWA describes as a “constitutional coup” undermining democracy.

HURIWA argues that these judgments violate established legal precedents, notably a Supreme Court principle that prohibits the withholding of statutory allocations to states.

The group alleges that the recent court actions, initiated by a faction loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, aim to destabilize the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The controversy intensified with Justice Abdulmalik’s ruling, which HURIWA claims is reminiscent of previous politically charged decisions, such as those leading to a visa ban on Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The group asserts that the current ruling disregards the rule of law and has the potential to provoke civil unrest in Rivers State, where tensions are already high.

Additionally, HURIWA pointed to other questionable rulings, including those by Justice Peter Lifu concerning local government elections, which could jeopardize the legality of elections conducted under state laws across several regions.

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The organization criticized Justice Lifu for favoring factions tied to political figures and for creating legal uncertainty with contradictory rulings.

Highlighting concerns over potential civil instability, HURIWA warned that withholding funds could lead to disruptions of critical infrastructure in the region.

The group called on Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun to restore integrity within Nigeria’s judicial system, emphasizing that the credibility of the judiciary is at risk due to perceived bias in high-profile cases.

Concluding its statement, HURIWA urged immediate corrective actions from the judiciary to prevent further erosion of Nigeria’s democratic framework, vowing to pursue sanctions against any judge whose rulings threaten democratic principles.