Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has sharply criticized the ongoing political situation in Rivers State, calling it an “aberration” and a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
In a statement posted on Monday via X, Obi condemned the alleged disregard for a Supreme Court ruling regarding the release of statutory allocations to an appointed sole administrator instead of a duly constituted legislative body.
“What is unfolding in Rivers State is a flagrant disobedience to the rule of law and democratic principles,” Obi said. “The decision to release statutory allocations to a Sole Administrator, despite a standing Supreme Court order, is not only unlawful but also a direct challenge to the authority of the highest court in the country.”
Obi expressed particular concern over the decision to release state funds, despite the Supreme Court’s order, which prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from disbursing these allocations until a legally recognized House of Assembly passes an Appropriation Act.
He warned that ignoring the judiciary’s authority sets a “dangerous precedent” and erodes the rule of law. Obi also urged institutions like the CBN and AGF, which are tasked with upholding the law, not to become complicit in actions that flout judicial decisions.
Emphasizing that the issue goes beyond Rivers State, Obi cautioned that such actions threaten the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. He called on the country’s leaders to respect the judiciary and uphold constitutional principles, warning that continued violations could endanger the future of the nation’s democratic system.
