By Aymide Otitoju
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, describing it as an “aberration” and a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi criticized the alleged disregard for a Supreme Court ruling regarding the disbursement of statutory allocations to an appointed sole administrator instead of 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. 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 in our country,” Obi stated.
Obi Warns of Dangerous Precedent
The former Anambra State governor expressed deep concern over the continued release of state funds despite a Supreme Court directive barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from making such disbursements without an Appropriation Act passed by a legally recognized House of Assembly.
“The Supreme Court had explicitly barred the CBN and 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,” Obi remarked. “This raises serious moral and legal questions about governance in Rivers State.”
He warned that undermining judicial authority could set a dangerous precedent and urged institutions such as the CBN and AGF not to be complicit in actions that defy the judiciary.
“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,” Obi cautioned.
Call for Constitutional Order
Obi stressed that the crisis in Rivers State extends beyond local politics, warning that continued violations could jeopardize Nigeria’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 declared.
Obi called on all leaders and institutions to uphold the rule of law and protect Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, warning that failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for governance and stability.
