Peter Obi Condemns FG’s Release of Rivers Allocation to Sole Administrator, Calls It Supreme Court Disobedience

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the federal government for allegedly releasing Rivers State’s allocation to the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, despite a Supreme Court ruling against it....CONTINUE READING>>>

The Supreme Court had recently ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to release funds to Rivers State until a budget was presented and approved by the State House of Assembly. However, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Ibas, reports indicate that the federal government proceeded with the allocation release.

Reacting via social media on Monday, Obi condemned the move as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles. He stated:

*”What is happening in the country today as it relates to Rivers State is an aberration, unknown to our Constitution, and must be condemned by every discerning mind.

“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 of our country.

“The Supreme Court had explicitly barred the 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 further warned that disregarding the Supreme Court’s ruling sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

*”By disregarding the judgment of the Supreme Court, those involved are setting a dangerous precedent. The CBN and AGF, institutions meant to uphold the law, should not be complicit in this disregard for our judiciary.

“This is about more than just Rivers State; it is about protecting the very fabric of our democracy and our existence as a nation.

“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. 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.”*

Obi’s statement highlights growing concerns over the federal government’s handling of Rivers State’s political crisis and the broader implications for judicial independence in Nigeria.