Nigeria Peter Obi: Ignoring Court Orders Puts Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk

Peter Obi has condemned the alleged disobedience of a Supreme Court ruling on Rivers State fund allocation. He criticized the release of statutory funds to an appointed administrator instead of a legally recognized legislative body, warning that disregarding court rulings undermines democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s governance.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, describing it as a clear violation of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and an attack on judicial authority.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi criticized the reported disregard for a Supreme Court ruling on fund allocations. He expressed concern that statutory funds were allegedly released to an appointed sole administrator instead of being handled through a legitimately elected legislative body.

“The situation in Rivers State is an outright violation of the rule of law. Choosing to distribute public funds through an unelected administrator, despite a standing order from the Supreme Court, is both unconstitutional and a direct challenge to our judiciary,” Obi said.

He pointed out that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) were explicitly ordered not to release these funds without approval from a properly constituted House of Assembly. However, he noted that reports suggest this directive has been ignored.

“The Supreme Court made it clear that funds should only be disbursed through a legitimate process. Any action taken outside this framework raises serious ethical and legal questions,” he added.

Obi further warned that disregarding judicial decisions sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the core principles of governance. He urged key institutions, particularly the CBN and AGF, to uphold the law and avoid actions that could compromise their credibility.

“A democratic system cannot thrive if court rulings are disregarded, the separation of powers is ignored, and legal processes are treated as suggestions rather than obligations,” he stressed.

He emphasized that the crisis in Rivers State is not just a regional issue but a broader threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability. Obi called on national leaders to uphold constitutional principles and warned that persistent violations could destabilize the country’s political future.

“If we continue to ignore the law, we are putting the survival of our democracy at risk. We must make the right choice—respect the judiciary and adhere to the rule of law,” Obi concluded.