Peter Obi Condemns FG’s Release of Rivers State Allocation to Sole Administrator
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the federal government’s decision to release Rivers State’s allocation to the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, calling it a blatant violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Supreme Court Order Ignored
The controversy stems from a recent Supreme Court directive, which barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until a budget is properly presented and passed by the State House of Assembly. However, following the appointment of Ibas as Sole Administrator and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the federal government reportedly went ahead with the fund release, defying the court’s ruling.
Reacting to the development in a post on his official social media handle, Peter Obi condemned the move, stating that it represents a dangerous disregard for the rule of law and Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Obi: “This Is an Aberration”
Obi described the situation in Rivers State as an unconstitutional and unlawful act that every Nigerian must speak against.
“What is happening in Rivers State today is an aberration unknown to our Constitution, and it must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens.
“The decision to release statutory allocations to an unelected Sole Administrator, despite a standing Supreme Court order, is not just unlawful but a direct challenge to the authority of our highest court.”
Obi emphasized that the Supreme Court had made it clear that no funds should be released until the State House of Assembly approves an Appropriation Act. He warned that disregarding this ruling sets a dangerous precedent.
“By ignoring the Supreme Court’s decision, those involved are undermining our democracy. The CBN and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), institutions meant to uphold the law, must not be complicit in this violation of judicial authority.”
“This Goes Beyond Rivers State”
Obi stressed that this situation is not just about Rivers State but about the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
“A nation cannot function when the rule of law is trampled upon, when separation of powers is ignored, and when judicial decisions are treated as mere suggestions.
“If we continue down this path, we are jeopardizing the future of our democracy. We must choose to do the right thing—respect the law and uphold the principles that bind us as a nation.”
A Growing Constitutional Crisis?
The crisis in Rivers State has sparked widespread debates, with political analysts warning that the continued disregard for judicial rulings could fuel political instability. With Governor Fubara’s suspension, the legitimacy of the Sole Administrator’s appointment remains contested, raising concerns about the federal government’s interference in state governance.
