Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has spoken out against the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Rivers State political crisis and the recent sexual harassment allegations in the Senate.
Obi described the Supreme Court’s judgment as reckless and warned that it could destabilize democracy in Nigeria.
The court had ruled that funds would only be released to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration when a legally recognized Appropriation Law was passed under the speakership of Martin Amaewhule. The verdict also reinstated the 27 lawmakers who had reportedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), allowing them to resume their legislative duties.
Obi said that political leaders should focus on governance instead of engaging in actions that could disrupt the stability of state governments.
Additionally, Obi expressed concern over the allegations of sexual harassment in the Senate. Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of victimizing her and denying her privileges after she allegedly rejected his advances.
Obi lamented that Nigeria’s political discourse had shifted away from pressing national issues to what he described as distractions. He warned that while the country faces severe economic hardship, insecurity, and poor governance, political leaders are preoccupied with personal and partisan battles.
“It is deeply troubling that Nigeria’s political leadership is rapidly descending into an embarrassing spectacle,” Obi stated. “At a time when our nation is experiencing the highest levels of poverty, soaring infant mortality rates, and millions of out-of-school children, our leaders should be focusing on providing urgent solutions to these problems.”
Obi criticized all three arms of government, saying they had failed to inspire confidence in the people. He pointed to the executive branch’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,” he continued. “The political rascality and irregularities we are witnessing paint a picture of leaders who have abandoned their responsibilities and turned governance into a theatrical performance rather than a serious commitment to public service.”
Obi called on political leaders to avoid undue interference in subnational government affairs and to work towards stabilizing the country’s democratic institutions. He warned against political defections driven by self-interest and electoral manipulation, arguing that such actions weaken democracy.