Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate, has expressed strong condemnation over the continued disregard for the Supreme Court's ruling concerning the allocation of funds in Rivers State. Obi called for immediate adherence to the judgment, which mandates that the federal government properly allocate funds to the state in line with the Court's ruling.
In a statement released today, Obi decried what he called the "unwarranted defiance of the highest court's decision," urging the government to respect the rule of law and uphold the sanctity of the nation's judiciary.
"The Supreme Court's judgment was clear and unambiguous. It is deeply troubling that after such a ruling, we are witnessing a blatant disregard for the directive in the allocation of funds to Rivers State," Obi remarked. "This is not just a matter of financial mismanagement; it is an affront to the very principles of justice and equity that should guide our nation."
Obi further emphasized that the refusal to implement the Supreme Court's decision undermines the credibility of Nigeria's institutions and weakens the trust the public has in governance. He called on the federal government and all relevant authorities to comply with the ruling, saying, "Our democracy thrives when the decisions of our courts are respected, and when every Nigerian, irrespective of their state or background, is treated fairly and justly."
The controversy stems from Rivers State’s recent battle over the correct allocation of funds due to it under a Supreme Court ruling. Despite the Court’s intervention, the state has continued to receive a portion of its due allocation that is far below what was ordered, causing significant concern among citizens and leaders alike.