The Opposition Coalition in Nigeria has raised concerns over an alleged attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a group aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to halt statutory allocations to local government councils in Rivers State.
According to the Coalition, this move could lead to severe unrest and destabilize governance in the state.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Coalition’s spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, claimed they have credible evidence that the APC and the pro-Wike group have initiated a legal process at the Federal High Court to stop the monthly allocations to Rivers State local government areas (LGAs).
Ugochinyere warned that such actions could starve local government councils of necessary funds, threatening the livelihoods of workers and citizens in the State.
“This is an attempt to seize the statutory sovereign allocation of Rivers LGAs, which belongs to the people,” Ugochinyere stated. “Any attempt to withhold these funds could lead to unimaginable crises and destabilize the constitutional governance of Rivers State”.
He further explained that the Rivers State LGAs held elections in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling, and no court has yet invalidated the results.
However, the pro-Wike group, allegedly supported by anti-democratic forces, is reportedly seeking a court injunction to block the release of funds. This, Ugochinyere suggested, is the second such case filed by the group, aimed at disrupting the state’s constitutional order.
Ugochinyere accused the Wike group of being motivated by political greed, suggesting they remain bitter over the outcome of the Rivers State LGA elections. He alleged that the group is working to destabilize the state, pursuing a legal strategy to seize the state’s allocations in a move that could trigger anarchy.
The Coalition also expressed concerns about alleged plans to expedite the case through the judiciary, warning that the opposition is closely monitoring the situation. “We will not hesitate to alert the Nigerian people if any questionable rulings are made in favor of the Wike group”, he added.
Calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, Ugochinyere urged the President to prevent actions that could tarnish Nigerias democracy and provoke unrest among the people of Rivers State. He emphasized that Rivers workers and citizens would not forgive any attempt to withhold their rightful allocations.
“The Hudiciary should refrain from granting any frivolous requests related to the Rivers LGA elections, as this would only serve to undermine its integrity,” Ugochinyere warned. He concluded by stating that the people of Rivers State would resist any efforts to undermine their democracy or reverse the progress made in electing their local government leaders.
