HURIWA faults disbandment of Appeal Court panel in Rivers allocation case

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

Specifically, HURIWA said it is alarmed by the actions of Justice Barka, the Presiding Judge of the Abuja Court of Appeal, who disbanded the panel and reassigned its cases to his direct supervision, describing it as a plot to influence decisions unfavourable to Rivers State.

The organisation argued that this plot to influence decisions unfavorable to Rivers State jeopardises 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.

HURIWA in a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, 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 it fears could undermine the financial stability of the state.

According to him, “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 former Governor Nyesom Wike, 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.”

According to HURIWA, Justice Barka, allegedly influenced by powerful political forces, disbanded the panel and reassigned its cases to his direct supervision.

In light of these legal victories for Rivers State, HURIWA said it 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 organisation expressed concerns that Justice Barka’s decision to consolidate these matters under his 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.