Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged the immediate reversal of a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which prevents the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.
The court’s decision, handed down on Wednesday, bars Rivers State from receiving and distributing its monthly allocations, asserting that such a practice violates the Constitution. Justice Abdulmalik ruled that Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara breached the Constitution by presenting the 2024 budget to the four-member Rivers House of Assembly, contravening the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Obi highlighted the negative impact of the judgment on the state’s governance and on civil servants across Rivers, who are already struggling amid the country’s economic challenges. He expressed deep concern that withholding state funds would further harm public sector workers and other vulnerable residents.
While emphasizing the need for urgent action, Obi called on leaders to prioritize public welfare and act selflessly, especially when handling issues that directly affect citizens.
“Though the Rivers State crisis has garnered significant national attention, I have refrained from commenting on matters specific to individual states. However, this recent court ruling to halt financial allocations to Rivers—and the far-reaching consequences—requires an immediate response,” Obi stated.
“This decision compels every well-meaning Nigerian to advocate for its reversal. Think of the pensioners scraping by on minimal income, the health workers, teachers, and civil servants already facing harsh economic realities. How much more hardship can they bear?
“This ruling risks pushing vulnerable citizens deeper into distress—even to the point of endangering lives by adding to their daily burdens. As leaders, whether in the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial branches, our decisions must be guided by a commitment to the welfare of the less privileged among us.
“As we work towards a better future for all Nigerians, we must genuinely care for the poor and make their well-being a priority. Our actions today should build the foundation for a brighter and more inclusive Nigeria,” Obi’s statement concluded.
