“Supreme Court Responsible for Rivers Crisis” – Chidi Odinkalu Blames Judiciary for Political Breakdown

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has drawn sharp criticism from Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, who accused Nigeria’s Supreme Court of aiding a democratic breakdown. In a series of social media posts, Odinkalu alleged that under the leadership of Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Supreme Court has become deeply compromised, claiming it now operates with an urgency to “send the country into perdition.”

Reacting to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers and the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara alongside the State House of Assembly, Odinkalu recalled the Court’s more principled past under Chief Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais. According to him, the judiciary then had the independence and authority to “repeatedly save Nigeria from peril,” a contrast to what he described as today’s weakened institution vulnerable to political interference.

He further stirred public debate by posting a photograph showing the newly appointed Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), alongside the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike. The image has sparked speculation about political alignments and deepened concerns over the legitimacy of the recent changes in Rivers State’s leadership.

Critics say the Supreme Court’s ruling, which paved the way for the installation of an unelected administrator, represents a major setback for democratic governance and the rule of law. Odinkalu’s remarks echo widespread unease over the judiciary’s role in what many see as a dangerous precedent.

The crisis has also rekindled memories of past opposition to similar federal interventions. In 2013, then-opposition leader Bola Tinubu condemned President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Tinubu called it a calculated move to subvert constitutional democracy, warning it could trigger radicalization and further destabilize the nation. He argued that the federal government’s use of security challenges as a pretext for political takeovers undermined democratic institutions and unfairly scapegoated governors who lacked control over federal security agencies.

Tinubu’s statement at the time, published by Premium Times, described Jonathan’s administration as rudderless and accused it of promoting division through ethnicity and religion for political gain. He cautioned that unjustified federal interference in state affairs would lead to long-term consequences that could not be easily reversed.

With the situation in Rivers State now mirroring past concerns, observers say the federal government and judiciary are treading a perilous path that could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.