The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep concern over the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that halted the disbursement of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to Rivers State. PANDEF is calling for a review of the decision, emphasizing its potentially adverse impact on the development of the state and the welfare of its citizens.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The statement, signed by PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, describes the ruling as a significant setback, stressing that the people of Rivers State, who depend heavily on these funds for economic, social, and infrastructural growth, are the primary victims of the court’s decision. PANDEF warns that depriving the state of its rightful share of the national revenue would inflict undue hardship on its citizens, who have consistently contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability.
“This decision is a grave injustice to the people of Rivers State,” the statement reads. “These funds are crucial for the state’s development, and denying them not only threatens economic progress but also undermines the social and infrastructural needs of the people.”
The statement also highlights the fact that Rivers State, a vital contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, should not be financially penalized due to political conflicts. PANDEF further called on the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling in the interest of national unity and social justice. The group emphasized that such decisions must be made with an eye toward fostering national economic stability and peace, particularly in a region like the Niger Delta, which has already been grappling with socio-political and economic challenges.
In its statement, PANDEF warned that the Supreme Court’s decision could hinder ongoing peace-building initiatives in the Niger Delta, particularly those championed by PANDEF through the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee. The group argued that the court’s ruling risks undermining efforts at reconciliation and development in the region, which have been painstakingly fostered over the years.
PANDEF also recalled a similar situation in Lagos State during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when the Federal Government under President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld local government funds. At that time, the move was widely condemned, and PANDEF expressed concerns that this current situation may be a repetition of that scenario on a much larger scale. The statement warned that such actions could have disastrous consequences for peace and security in the Niger Delta and for the nation as a whole.
The statement also affirmed PANDEF’s commitment to dialogue, justice, and sustainable development. The group called for a collective effort by all stakeholders—including the Federal Government, the judiciary, and political leaders—to ensure that Rivers State is not unfairly punished due to political conflicts.
In its ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court had barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from releasing funds to Rivers State. This was in response to what the court described as the state’s flagrant disobedience to court orders. The court also nullified the recent local government elections in Rivers, declaring the elections invalid for grossly violating the Electoral Act.
The ruling has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning its implications for the development and future of Rivers State, as well as for the overall stability of the Niger Delta region.
