The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its recent ruling that halted the release of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to Rivers State.
PANDEF, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, warned that the decision could have dire consequences for the state’s economic growth and residents’ well-being.
PANDEF described the ruling as a major setback that disproportionately affects the people of Rivers State, who depend on these funds for essential services, infrastructure, and social programs.
“Undoubtedly, the primary casualties of this judicial restraint will be the innocent citizens of the state, for whom these funds serve as a lifeline for economic, social growth, and infrastructural development,” the statement read.
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PANDEF stressed that the state, a key contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas revenue, should not be financially strangled due to ongoing political disputes.
“Withholding the state’s legally entitled funds imposes unnecessary hardship on a people whose contributions have been instrumental to national economic sustenance,” the group stated, urging the judiciary to reconsider the verdict in the interest of justice, national unity, and economic stability.
The forum warned that the Supreme Court’s decision could derail ongoing peace and reconciliation initiatives in the Niger Delta, including efforts led by the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee.
“This ruling threatens the delicate peace-building processes we have worked tirelessly to foster in the region,” PANDEF cautioned, calling on the judiciary and political stakeholders to approach such matters with fairness and a long-term perspective.
Drawing a parallel to a similar incident during the administration of then-Governor Bola Tinubu, PANDEF recalled how the Federal Government, under President Olusegun Obasanjo, withheld local government funds from Lagos State.
“The Supreme Court ruling brings to mind the unjust withholding of Lagos State’s local government funds years ago—a decision that was widely criticized.
“It is troubling that such a scenario is being repeated on an even larger scale in this era, with serious implications for peace and security in the Niger Delta,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice and sustainable development, PANDEF called on the Federal Government, political leaders, and the judiciary to ensure that Rivers State is not unfairly penalized due to political disagreements.
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The Supreme Court, in its ruling on Friday, barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from disbursing FAAC funds to Rivers State, citing the government’s continued defiance of court orders.
Additionally, the apex court nullified the recently conducted local government elections in the state, declaring them invalid due to significant violations of the Electoral Act.
