Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has broken his silence on the Supreme Court ruling regarding the Rivers State political crisis and the recent sexual harassment allegations in the Senate.
Obi condemned the Supreme Court’s judgment, describing it as reckless and a potential threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The ruling, which bars the release of funds to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration until a legally recognized Appropriation Law is passed under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, also reinstated 27 lawmakers who had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), allowing them to resume legislative duties.
Obi criticized political leaders for prioritizing power struggles over governance, warning that such actions could destabilize state administrations.
Additionally, Obi addressed the sexual harassment allegations in the Senate. Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of victimization and denying her privileges after she allegedly rejected his advances. Obi lamented that Nigeria’s political discourse had been derailed by distractions, while the nation grapples with economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failures.
“It is deeply troubling that Nigeria’s political leadership is rapidly descending into an embarrassing spectacle,” Obi said. “At a time when our nation faces extreme poverty, rising infant mortality, and millions of out-of-school children, our leaders should be focused on urgent solutions rather than personal and partisan battles.”
He criticized all three arms of government for failing to inspire public confidence, citing the executive’s abuse of power in Osun State, the judiciary’s controversial ruling on Rivers State, and the ongoing scandal in the National Assembly as examples of leadership failure.
“The reckless neglect of governance is a grave disservice to Nigerians,” Obi stated. “The political rascality we are witnessing suggests that leaders have abandoned their responsibilities, turning governance into theatrics rather than a serious commitment to public service.”
He urged political leaders to refrain from interfering in subnational governance and instead focus on stabilizing the country’s democratic institutions. Obi also warned against self-serving political defections and electoral manipulation, stating that such practices weaken Nigeria’s democracy.