Appeal Court Judgement Upholds Federalism Tenets – Falana

The Appeal Court has handed down a landmark judgment, upholding the principles of federalism in Nigeria. The court ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain a suit seeking to seize Rivers State’s allocation.

This decision is a significant victory for the Rivers State government, led by Governor Sim Fubara, who had appealed the lower court’s judgment. The Appeal Court’s ruling means that the state can now access its funds, which had been frozen due to the earlier court order.

According to human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, the Appeal Court’s judgment is a triumph for federalism and constitutional governance in Nigeria. Falana hailed the decision, stating that it upholds the principles of federalism and the separation of powers between the federal government and the states.

“The Appeal Court’s judgment is a landmark decision that reinforces the principles of federalism and constitutional governance in Nigeria,” Falana said. “The court’s ruling is a clear indication that the judiciary is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of states and citizens.”

Background of the Case

The case began when a group of individuals filed a suit at the Federal High Court, seeking to seize Rivers State’s allocation on the grounds that the state had failed to comply with certain constitutional requirements.

The Federal High Court had ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering the freezing of Rivers State’s allocation. However, the state government appealed the decision, arguing that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Appeal Court’s Ruling

The Appeal Court’s ruling upheld the Rivers State government’s argument, stating that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit. The court held that the suit was an attempt to usurp the powers of the state government and undermine the principles of federalism.

“The Federal High Court’s ruling was a clear overreach of its jurisdiction,” the Appeal Court held. “The court’s attempt to seize Rivers State’s allocation was an affront to the principles of federalism and the separation of powers.”

Reactions to the Judgment

The Appeal Court’s judgment has been widely welcomed by various groups, including the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, who described it as a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

“This judgment is a testament to the independence of the judiciary and its commitment to upholding the rule of law,” said the coalition’s spokesperson. “We commend the Appeal Court for its bravery and wisdom in delivering this landmark judgment.”

Other groups, such as HURIWA and Lawyers in Defence of Democracy, have also hailed the judgment as a historic decision that preserves the principle of federalism and constitutional democracy.

“This judgment is a significant milestone in the development of Nigeria’s federal system,” said HURIWA’s national coordinator. “It reinforces the principles of federalism and the separation of powers, and it sends a clear message that the judiciary will not tolerate any attempts to undermine these principles.”

Conclusion

The Appeal Court’s judgment is a significant development in Nigeria’s federalism landscape, and it has far-reaching implications for the country’s system of government. The judgment reinforces the principles of federalism and the separation of powers, and it sends a clear message that the judiciary will not tolerate any attempts to undermine these principles.