Labour Party presidential candidate in the last general elections and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has warned of the dire consequences of stopping federal allocations to Rivers State.
In a post on his official handle on microblogging platform, X, Obi noted that many persons would be affected by the development.
“In my political trajectory, I have consistently refrained from name-calling or engaging in personal disputes, choosing instead to focus on issues that directly impact the masses, particularly the suffering poor of Nigeria.”
“Despite the national attention the Rivers State crisis has gained, I have largely stayed away from matters specific to a state, but a recent court judgment halting allocations to the state—and the resulting consequences—demands attention.”
He noted that every well-meaning Nigerian should appeal for immediate reversal of the decision.
“This curious decision now calls upon every well-meaning individual Nigerian to appeal for its immediate reversal.”
“Consider the pensioner struggling to survive on a meager income alongside the health workers, school teachers, civil servants, and everyday citizens whose lives are already marked by severe hardship.”
He warned that the development occassioned by the court decision stopping allocation to Rivers State could lead to deaths, citing that ability of residents to endure the action remains rife.
“This latest development risks pushing them even further into distress—even into untimely deaths—by compounding the challenges they face each day.”
“As leaders—whether in the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial our decisions, and actions should be guided by a commitment to the well being of the less privileged and vulnerable among us.”
“As we work toward a better future for all, we must genuinely care about the poor and prioritise the well-being of every Nigerian.” he posted.
A Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing financial allocations to the Rivers State Government until a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly.
The decision was made by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in response to a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule.
Justice Abdulmalik held that the decision by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the Rivers State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, that was not properly constituted, should not be allowed to stand.
The court order essentially puts a hold on any further funding to the Rivers State Government until the necessary legislative steps are taken.
This means that the state’s financial activities will be on hold until the House of Assembly passes a lawful appropriation act.