Peter Obi Warns Against Halting Allocations to Rivers State

Peter Obi urged Nigerian leaders across all government branches to prioritize the well-being of the vulnerable and “genuinely care about the poor.” According to him, actions taken by the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches should be grounded in compassion for those struggling the most.

Abuja, Nigeria – Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has voiced strong concerns over the federal government’s recent decision to suspend allocations to Rivers State, warning of potentially severe consequences for the state’s residents.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi highlighted the repercussions of the Federal High Court’s order, emphasizing that halting funds could lead to widespread suffering and untimely deaths. “In my political trajectory, I have consistently refrained from personal disputes, choosing to focus on issues that directly impact the masses, especially the suffering poor of Nigeria,” Obi stated.

Obi further remarked that while he typically avoids commenting on state-specific issues, the critical nature of this decision compels attention. He appealed to “every well-meaning Nigerian” to urge the government to reverse the ruling, stressing that the ruling could push vulnerable groups, including pensioners, health workers, teachers, and civil servants, into greater hardship. “This latest development risks pushing them even further into distress—even into untimely deaths,” he warned.

Obi urged Nigerian leaders across all government branches to prioritize the well-being of the vulnerable and “genuinely care about the poor.” According to him, actions taken by the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches should be grounded in compassion for those struggling the most.

The Federal High Court’s decision, reported by SaharaReporters, followed a lawsuit by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must halt allocations to the Rivers State Government until a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly.

This court action stems from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to present the state’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member assembly. The court determined that this assembly, lacking full constitution, should not be recognized in budgetary matters.