HURIWA Hails Appeal Court Ruling On Rivers’ Allocation

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 Friday, 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 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.

“We must commend the Appeal Court for restoring public confidence in the judiciary by delivering a judgment that aligns with the principles of justice and equity. At the same time, we urge judges at all levels to remain vigilant against any attempt to compromise their integrity. The judiciary must remain a beacon of hope and a defender of democratic values,” Onwubiko emphasized.

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