Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has come under fire after he denied calling the Supreme Court ruling on Rivers State “reckless.” The controversy started on Wednesday, when Obi found himself at the center of a social media storm following reports that he had criticized the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The incident centers around a ruling made by the Supreme Court that affirmed the legality of the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly members. The court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation to withhold funds from the Rivers State government until its House of Assembly is fully constituted, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.
In the immediate aftermath of the ruling, multiple media outlets quoted Obi as calling the court’s decision “reckless” and accusing the judiciary of making a dangerous pronouncement that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy. Obi was also reported to have criticized the scandal surrounding the National Assembly, linking it to the court’s ruling.
However, Obi quickly issued a statement denying the claims and sought to clarify his position. He rejected the description of the ruling as “reckless” and insisted that his original statement was not about the court but rather about the behavior of Nigeria’s political elites in the face of rising poverty. Obi said that while he disagreed with the ruling, he never used the word “reckless” to describe it.
In a statement issued on March 5, 2025, Obi explained: “My attention has been drawn to a news report saying that I described the Supreme Court ruling on Rivers State as reckless. The statement I made from which the report was drawn is on the general terms of the attitude of the political elites in the face of deepening poverty in the land. There’s nowhere I made direct remarks on the Supreme Court ruling as reckless. Even if a ruling of the apex court is not agreeable to me, I cannot describe it as reckless. I find it very necessary to give this clarification.”
Despite Obi’s explanation, many Nigerians were not convinced by his denial. Social media users quickly began sharing screenshots of his original statement, where he had indeed used the term “reckless” in reference to the court’s decision. The backlash against Obi grew, with many accusing him of dishonesty and trying to backtrack on his earlier words.
Justice Omodigbe, a prominent social media commentator, tweeted, “This is you calling the judgement of the Supreme Court on Rivers reckless. I don’t know what you are trying to defend here when evidence abound. You gave your mob something to feed on and you want to distance yourself from it. It won’t work.”
Other Nigerians expressed frustration with Obi’s response, feeling that he was attempting to avoid responsibility for his words. Many pointed out that the statement in question was clear and unambiguous, and that Obi’s attempt to backtrack was seen as an attempt to salvage his reputation amid growing criticism.
The controversy highlights the deepening political tensions in Nigeria, as political figures and the judiciary often clash over decisions that have wide-reaching implications for the country’s governance. The Supreme Court’s ruling in the Rivers State matter is just one of many instances in which the judiciary has been at the center of political debates in Nigeria.
While the Labour Party and Obi’s supporters have defended him, arguing that his comments were misinterpreted, the incident has raised concerns about the behavior of political leaders and their responsibility to uphold the integrity of the judiciary. Critics argue that such statements, whether intentional or not, can undermine public trust in the legal system and the democratic process as a whole.
The issue is compounded by the growing political divide in the country. Nigeria’s political elite, including figures from all parties, has often been accused of prioritizing personal and party interests over the well-being of the Nigerian people. Obi, known for his anti-corruption stance and focus on good governance, has frequently criticized the political class, calling for greater accountability. However, his recent denial has led some to question whether he is truly committed to these principles or whether he is simply trying to avoid backlash from his own supporters.
Obi’s critics have also pointed to his previous statements, where he has consistently voiced dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political system. His call for reform and change has earned him significant support, particularly among young Nigerians who are frustrated with the status quo. However, incidents like this one serve as a reminder of the challenges political leaders face when trying to navigate the complexities of Nigerian politics.
The Supreme Court’s decision on the Rivers State House of Assembly, which remains a sensitive issue, has sparked wider debates about the role of the judiciary in Nigerian politics. Many Nigerians have expressed concerns that the judiciary is becoming too politically involved, with some arguing that the courts have become a tool for politicians to achieve their objectives. The issue of the Rivers State House of Assembly is just one example of how the judiciary’s rulings can have significant political consequences, especially when it comes to state-level politics.
The controversy surrounding Obi’s comments also speaks to the wider political atmosphere in Nigeria, where political figures often face intense scrutiny from the public and the media. In a country where social media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion, politicians must be careful with their words, as even a small misstep can lead to a firestorm of criticism.
As the backlash continues, Peter Obi’s reputation among Nigerians could be affected, especially as the 2023 presidential election remains a fresh memory. While Obi remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics, the outcome of this controversy will likely influence how he is perceived by the public going forward.
