The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for a reassessment of the Supreme Court’s recent decision that blocked the release of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to Rivers State, expressing serious concern about its potential negative effects on the state’s progress and the well-being of its citizens.
In a statement signed by PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the group stated that the court’s ruling is a significant setback for Rivers State, unjustly impacting its residents who depend on these funds for economic, social, and infrastructural development.
The statement further stressed that the people of Rivers State, who rely on these funds for their livelihood, are the primary victims of this ruling.
It also highlighted that Rivers, as a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, should not face financial hardship due to a political dispute.
“Denying the state its legitimate allocations imposes undue hardship on a population that has continually supported the nation’s economy,” PANDEF stated, urging the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in the interest of national unity, economic stability, and social justice.
The statement also warned that the ruling could undermine ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in the region, particularly the work of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by Obong Victor Attah.
PANDEF called on judicial and political authorities to show fairness and insight when addressing issues that significantly impact the Niger Delta.
The statement also referenced a similar situation 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.
“The withholding of local government funds from Lagos State was widely condemned, and it raises concerns that a similar, even more damaging situation is happening now with potentially serious consequences for peace and security in the Niger Delta,” the statement noted.
PANDEF reiterated its commitment to justice, dialogue, and sustainable development, urging all parties—including the Federal Government, political leaders, and the judiciary—to ensure that Rivers State is not unfairly penalized due to political issues.
In its ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies to halt the disbursement of funds to Rivers State until it resolves the court’s accusations of non-compliance with its orders.
The court also annulled the state’s recent local government elections, declaring them invalid for breaching the Electoral Act.
