The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), called for a review of the recent Supreme Court ruling that halted the disbursement of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to Rivers State.
The group expressed significant concern over the ruling’s potential impact on the state’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
In a statement signed by PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the forum described the court’s decision as a major setback that unfairly penalizes the people of Rivers State, who rely on FAAC funds for essential 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 said.
PANDEF further stressed that Rivers State, a key contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, should not face financial hardship due to a political crisis.
The forum argued that denying the state its rightful share of allocations would impose undue hardship on its people, who have been instrumental in sustaining the nation’s economy.
“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.
The forum urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in the interest of national unity, economic stability, and social justice.
The statement also highlighted concerns that the ruling could undermine efforts to foster peace and reconciliation in the region, particularly through the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF has been instrumental in supporting.
“This verdict constitutes a grave impediment to the painstaking peace-building initiatives spearheaded by PANDEF,” the statement warned.
In its statement, PANDEF urged both judicial and political bodies to approach issues impacting the Niger Delta with fairness and foresight.
The forum also drew comparisons to a similar situation in Lagos State during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In that case, the Federal Government under then-President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld local government funds, an action widely condemned at the time.
PANDEF expressed concern that the current situation in Rivers State could have even more severe consequences for peace and security in the Niger Delta.
“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 wonders why such a repetition could emerge again, even in a higher magnitude, 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.
The forum called on all relevant stakeholders—including the Federal Government, political leaders, and the judiciary—to ensure that Rivers State is not unfairly penalized because of political conflicts.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other related agencies to withhold funds from the Rivers State government until it addresses allegations of flagrant disobedience to court orders.
Additionally, the court nullified the recent local government elections in the state, deeming them invalid for gross violations of the Electoral Act.
