The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for a reconsideration of the Supreme Court’s recent decision, which halted the distribution of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to Rivers State.
PANDEF expressed serious concern over the potential negative impact of this ruling on the state’s development and the well-being of its residents.
In a statement signed by PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the organization highlighted that the court’s decision represents a significant setback for Rivers State, adversely affecting its citizens who depend on these funds for economic, social, and infrastructural progress.
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The statement emphasized that the primary victims of this judicial decision will be the people of Rivers State, who rely on these funds for their livelihood and community development.
It further argued that Rivers, as a key contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, should not be financially strangled due to a political crisis.
“Denying the state its rightful share is an unjust burden on a people who have continually supported the nation’s economic stability,” PANDEF remarked, urging the Supreme Court to review its decision in the interest of national unity, economic well-being, and social justice.
The statement also warned that this ruling could undermine efforts toward peace and reconciliation in the region, specifically pointing to the work of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by Obong Victor Attah.
PANDEF called for fairness and foresight from both judicial and political institutions when addressing matters that affect the Niger Delta.
The statement also drew a parallel to a previous incident during Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, when the Federal Government withheld local government funds under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
“It reminds us of the controversial withholding of local government funds from Lagos State, which was widely criticized. One can only question why such a situation is being repeated now, on a larger scale, with potential serious consequences for peace and security in the Niger Delta,” the statement noted.
PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to justice, dialogue, and sustainable development, urging all stakeholders—including the Federal Government, political leaders, and the judiciary—to ensure that Rivers State is not unjustly penalized due to political disputes.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from disbursing funds to Rivers State until it resolves what the court described as a blatant disregard for court orders.
Additionally, the court invalidated the state’s recent local government elections, declaring them unlawful for violating the Electoral Act.
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