Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State spoke further on the ongoing crisis in Rivers state, condemning the alleged disobedience of a Supreme Court ruling regarding the release of statutory allocations to an appointed sole administrator instead of a duly constituted legislative body.
“What is happening in the country today as it relates to River State is an aberration, unknown to our Constitution and must be condemned by every discerning mind.” Obi stated
Following the crisis in the state, the Supreme Court withheld the state allocation until the State House Assembly properly appropriates the funds for usage.
However, while briefing State House correspondents at the presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the funds could be released if the sole administrator requests it.
During a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, on Friday, the new Rivers state administrator, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) confirmed that the funds had been released.
Obi expressed concern for Nigeria democracy, criticizing the audacity to challenge court’s order.
His post on X on Monday read: “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 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 intentions, and questions of what is happening in Rivers State.” He condemned.
The former governor of Anambra State continued: “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. We cannot build a nation where those who swore oaths to uphold our constitution and obey the laws are doing the opposite.
“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.” he urged
Recall President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared a state of Emergency in the state last week in Rivers Stae, placed the governor, Siminalayi Fubara on six months suspension alongside his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu and members of the state House of Assembly.
Tinubu had cited anarchy in defense of his action, due to the frosty relationship between Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly members loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He installed a new administration in person of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.)