The National Democratic Front on Friday called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to intervene in the political crisis in Rivers State.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ikenna Ezenekwe, in Abuja, the NDF expressed its dissatisfaction with the ruling by Justice Joyce AbdulMalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria from providing monthly allocations to the State.

The group alleged that some politicians are undermining the judiciary for personal gain in what it described as a serious erosion of integrity within Nigeria’s judiciary, noting that such actions threaten both the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the reputation of the power. judicial.

The NDF added that the order would likely paralyze essential health, education and infrastructure services, while leaving rural farmers and market women to bear the brunt of the instability of the judiciary.

“The people of Rivers deserve a judiciary that serves justice, not political whims. Madam Chief Justice, the soul of the Nigerian judiciary is at stake. Let us not allow political marauders to reduce the common man’s last bastion of hope to a mere pawn on a chessboard of ambition.

“They must stop this desecration of our justice system. Support the people, protect our democracy and allow the Nigerian judiciary to emerge unscathed from these tribulations. It is disturbing that such an order has been issued on a matter still under deliberation.

“It is scandalous that court orders, apparently bought and paid for, can suspend essential funds for basic services in Rivers State. Health clinics, schools, and public safety resources are now at stake, all because of one man’s vendetta.

“The integrity of the Nigerian judiciary is at stake, and continued exploitation will have serious repercussions, not only for Rivers State but for the nation as a whole,” the statement read in part.

The group recounted recent turmoil during local government elections, in which conflicting court rulings sparked public outrage and sparked clashes that left government buildings and properties destroyed.

“This is a path to anarchy,” the NDF warned, citing the possible resurgence of militant activities reminiscent of the Niger Delta insurgency.

“Rivers State is still recovering from recent violence and property damage related to conflicting rulings surrounding local government elections, and this continued legal manipulation could easily lead to further unrest,” the group added.

Reflecting on the root of the crisis, the NDF pointed to the defection of 27 Rivers State House of Assembly legislators from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, a move that sparked ongoing legal disputes over the legitimacy of their seats.

“This political maneuver has put the judiciary in an awkward position, with contradictory rulings that threaten to undermine public confidence in the Nigerian courts.”

Failure to act, the group warned, would not only risk further degradation of the credibility of the judiciary, but could also invite a return of political violence and economic instability to the state.