Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, has strongly condemned the recent court ruling that suspended federal allocations to Rivers State, describing it as a troubling development that threatens the livelihoods of vulnerable citizens. A Federal High Court in Abuja made the ruling, citing alleged constitutional violations by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, specifically his presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member House of Assembly.
Obi expressed concern that this decision could exacerbate the hardship faced by pensioners, health workers, school teachers, civil servants, and everyday citizens. He emphasized that these individuals are already struggling to survive on meager incomes and cannot endure further distress. Obi urged well-meaning Nigerians to appeal for the immediate reversal of this court judgment.
The court order restricts the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant General of the Federation, and Rivers State’s accounts at Zenith Bank and Access Bank from releasing funds to Fubara. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik highlighted that Rivers State has received and spent allocations based on an “illegitimate” budget since January, describing this as a “constitutional aberration.
Obi’s statement comes as Rivers State faces ongoing challenges with local government corruption and mismanagement, which have hindered the delivery of basic services like healthcare and education.
