Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi strongly condemned the recent developments, calling them a direct affront to the rule of law and Nigeria’s democratic principles. In a statement released on his X page, Obi described the ongoing situation as an “aberration” that goes against the nation’s Constitution.
Obi’s reaction comes in response to the decision by the federal authorities to release statutory allocations to an appointed Sole Administrator despite a standing Supreme Court order barring such actions. According to him, this move is unlawful and signals a dangerous precedent that threatens the country’s democratic framework.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted that the Supreme Court had explicitly ruled that funds for Rivers State should not be released until a properly constituted House of Assembly passes a valid Appropriation Act. Despite this clear directive, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) allegedly ignored the ruling by proceeding with the disbursement of funds to the Sole Administrator.
“This is a brazen disobedience and disregard for the rule of law and our democratic principles,” Obi stated. He emphasized that ignoring the authority of the Supreme Court sets a dangerous precedent where judicial decisions are treated as mere suggestions rather than binding rulings that must be upheld.
Obi SPeaks on Rule of Law
Obi warned that the actions in Rivers State are not just a local issue but a threat to Nigeria’s democracy as a whole. He pointed out that if institutions like the CBN and AGF, which are meant to uphold the law, are seen disregarding court rulings, it erodes public trust in the judiciary and governance structures.
“The CBN and AGF should not be complicit in this disregard for our judiciary,” he said, stressing that those sworn to protect and uphold the Constitution must not be the ones violating it.
A fundamental principle of democracy, Obi noted, is the separation of powers, where the judiciary, executive, and legislature operate independently. He cautioned that allowing the executive arm to unilaterally disregard judicial pronouncements weakens the very foundation of the country’s governance system.
Obi’s statement is the latest in a series of reactions from political figures and civil society organizations calling for a return to constitutional order in Rivers State. The state has been engulfed in political tensions following the lingering power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The crisis has led to the controversial dissolution of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee governance in the absence of a functioning legislature.
Obi urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to undermine the country’s democratic institutions. “This is about more than just Rivers State; it is about protecting the very fabric of our democracy and our existence as a nation,” he said.
The unfolding events in Rivers State have raised critical concerns about the future of governance in Nigeria. Legal experts and political analysts have warned that continued disregard for court rulings could lead to chaos, where political leaders act without accountability.
Many Nigerians see the crisis as a test of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. The presidency has so far remained silent on the matter, fueling concerns that political influence might be at play in the decision to bypass the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Obi’s statement aligns with growing calls for the federal government to intervene and ensure that constitutional order is restored in Rivers State.
