Amid the escalating political turmoil in Rivers State, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced strong disapproval over what he describes as a blatant violation of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
In a statement released on Monday via his X handle, Obi decried the alleged disregard for a Supreme Court ruling, particularly the allocation of state funds to a sole administrator instead of a duly elected legislative body. He warned that such actions undermine the judiciary and set a dangerous precedent for governance in the country.
“The unfolding events in Rivers State signify an alarming level of disregard for the rule of law and democratic governance. The decision to release statutory allocations to an appointed sole administrator, in defiance of a Supreme Court directive, is not just illegal but also a direct challenge to the authority of the highest court in the land,” Obi stated.
Highlighting concerns over the release of funds despite an existing court order, Obi questioned why institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) would act contrary to the judiciary’s directive. The Supreme Court had explicitly instructed that these funds should not be disbursed until a properly constituted House of Assembly passes an Appropriation Act.
“This clear violation of judicial orders raises profound moral and legal concerns,” Obi remarked, stressing that ignoring such directives erodes trust in the country’s democratic institutions.
He further urged key government agencies, including the CBN and AGF, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and refrain from actions that contradict judicial rulings. According to him, when court decisions are disregarded, democracy is weakened, and governance descends into lawlessness.
“No nation can function effectively when the rule of law is disregarded, the principle of separation of powers is ignored, and judicial verdicts are treated as mere recommendations,” Obi cautioned.
More Read
Beyond the immediate crisis in Rivers State, he warned that continued defiance of legal institutions threatens Nigeria’s democracy at large. Obi called on national leaders to prioritize the rule of law, emphasizing that persistent violations could have long-term consequences for governance and stability.
“As a nation, we must choose the path of justice and constitutional order. Disregarding the law endangers our collective future, and we must act now to safeguard the democratic principles that define us,” he concluded.
