Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has condemned the ongoing controversy surrounding the release of statutory allocations to an appointed Sole Administrator in Rivers State, describing it as a flagrant violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and a severe threat to the nation’s democracy.
In a statement issued Monday, Obi stressed that what is currently unfolding in Rivers State is a gross display of disobedience to the rule of law and a dangerous disregard for the principles of democracy that Nigeria claims to uphold.
Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired Navy vice admiral, was appointed sole administrator of the state after Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor and Ngozi Odu, the deputy governor were suspended along with all the members of the state assembly last week following an emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu.
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Obi noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) acted against a standing order of the Supreme Court, which had explicitly barred them from releasing statutory allocations to an appointed Sole Administrator. According to the Supreme Court ruling, such funds should only be released upon the passage of a valid Appropriation Act by an adequately constituted House of Assembly.
“It is alarming and unacceptable that statutory allocations are being released to an appointed Sole Administrator in Rivers State, despite a clear directive from the Supreme Court. This is not just unlawful; it is a direct challenge to the authority of our country’s highest court,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor argued that the current situation in Rivers State sets a dangerous precedent where institutions meant to uphold the law are being used to undermine it. He maintained that the CBN and the AGF, as key institutions responsible for ensuring adherence to legal principles, should not be complicit in violating judicial decisions.
“If those who swore oaths to uphold our Constitution and obey the laws are the very ones disregarding them, then we are facing a deep moral and institutional crisis. What is happening in Rivers State should concern every discerning mind because it strikes at the very heart of our democracy,” Obi said.
Obi emphasised that the disregard for the Supreme Court’s judgment goes beyond the immediate political context and questions the moral intentions behind the actions of those involved. He warned that allowing such acts to continue unchallenged could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s judicial system and erode public confidence in the nation’s democracy.
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“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,” he added.
The Labour Party presidential candidate called on all relevant authorities to reverse the illegal actions and ensure that the rule of law is respected. According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to compromise its democratic principles if it truly desires progress and stability.
“We must choose to do the right thing — to respect the law and uphold the principles that bind us as a nation. Anything short of this will only deepen the cracks in our already fragile democratic structure. A new Nigeria is possible, but only if we are committed to justice and fairness,” Obi concluded.
