In its ruling on Friday, the apex court barred the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the government of Rivers State until a proper House of Assembly is constituted.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for a review of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that halted the disbursement of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to Rivers State, expressing deep concern over its implications for the state’s development and the welfare of its people.
According to a statement signed by PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the court’s decision is a major setback that unfairly affects the people of Rivers State, who rely on these funds for economic, social, and infrastructural development.
“Undoubtedly, the primary casualties of this judicial restraint will be the innocent citizens of Rivers State, for whom these funds serve as a lifeline for economic, social growth, and infrastructural development,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that Rivers State, as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, should not be subjected to financial strangulation due to a political crisis.
“To deprive the state of its rightful allocations is to impose unwarranted hardship on a people who have consistently contributed to national sustenance,” PANDEF stated, urging the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in the interest of national unity, economic stability, and social justice.
The statement noted that the verdict could undermine peace and reconciliation efforts in the region.
It warned that “this verdict constitutes a grave impediment to the painstaking peace-building initiatives spearheaded by PANDEF, particularly through the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee.”
PANDEF urged judicial and political institutions to exercise fairness and foresight in handling issues that significantly impact the Niger Delta.
The statement also recalled a similar situation during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State, when the Federal Government under then-President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld local government funds.
“One thing that has come to mind in the midst of this Supreme Court ruling is the withdrawal of the Local Government fund to Lagos State… It was widely condemned… One therefore wonders that such repetition would emerge again even in higher magnitude in this 21st century with potentially grave implications for peace and security in the entire Niger Delta,” the statement noted.
PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to justice, dialogue, and sustainable development, calling on all stakeholders—including the Federal Government, political leaders, and the judiciary—to ensure Rivers State is not unduly punished due to political conflicts.
In its ruling on Friday, the apex court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the government of Rivers State until it purges itself of what the court describes as flagrant disobedience to court orders.
The Supreme Court also nullified the recent local government elections the state, declaring the election invalid for grossly violating the Electoral Act.
