Former presidential candidate and Labour Party chieftain, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the release of Rivers State’s statutory allocation to the state’s Sole Administrator, describing it as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the authority of the Supreme Court.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Obi argued that the action contradicts a standing order of the Supreme Court, which had barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from disbursing funds to the state until a duly constituted House of Assembly passes a valid Appropriation Act.

“What we are witnessing in Rivers State is a brazen disobedience and disregard for the rule of law and our democratic principles,” Obi wrote. “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 former Anambra State governor warned that allowing such constitutional breaches to persist sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy. He urged the CBN and AGF, institutions responsible for upholding financial regulations, to adhere to legal rulings rather than act in defiance of the 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,” Obi stated, adding that no country can thrive when judicial decisions are ignored.

The crisis in Rivers State has continued to generate controversy, with legal and political analysts weighing in on the implications of the government’s actions. Obi’s statement adds to the growing calls for respect for the rule of law and adherence to constitutional provisions in the ongoing dispute.