Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced strong criticism of the political situation in Rivers State, characterizing it as an “aberration” and a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
In a statement released on Monday via social media, Obi condemned the alleged disregard for a Supreme Court ruling regarding the release of statutory allocations to an appointed sole administrator, rather than a duly constituted legislative body.
“What we are witnessing in Rivers State is a brazen disobedience and disregard for the rule of law and our democratic principles,” Obi stated. “The decision to release statutory allocations to an appointed Sole Administrator, despite a standing order of the Supreme Court, is not just unlawful — it is a direct challenge to the authority of the highest court of our country.”
Obi expressed deep concern over the decision to disburse state funds despite an existing Supreme Court order that had explicitly barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing these allocations until a legally recognized House of Assembly passes an Appropriation Act.
“The Supreme Court had explicitly barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing these funds until a properly constituted House of Assembly passes a valid Appropriation Act. Yet, we see a situation where this order is being ignored. This raises serious moral questions about what is happening in Rivers State,” Obi emphasized.
He warned that disregarding the judiciary’s authority sets a “dangerous precedent” and undermines the rule of law. He also urged institutions such as the CBN and AGF, which are mandated to uphold the law, to refrain from complicity in actions that defy judicial decisions.
“A country cannot function where the rule of law is trampled upon, where the separation of powers is disregarded, and where judicial decisions are treated as mere suggestions,” he cautioned.
Obi stressed that the issue extends beyond Rivers State, posing a threat to the core of Nigeria’s democracy. He called on leaders to respect the judiciary and uphold constitutional principles, warning that continued violations could jeopardize the nation’s democratic future.
“If we continue this way, we are undermining the future of our democracy. We must choose to do the right thing—to respect the law and uphold the principles that bind us as a nation,” he concluded.
