The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed worry and dismay over the recent pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which halted the disbursement of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to Rivers State.
PANDEF said the primary casualties of the judicial restraint will be the innocent citizens of Rivers State, for whom the funds serve as a lifeline for economic, social growth and infrastructural development.
PANDEF spokesperson, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini said, “As a pivotal contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the backbone of the nation’s economy—Rivers State should not be subjected to fiscal strangulation owing to a political discord that remains eminently resolvable. ndeed, 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 that while it remains resolute in its commitment to fostering reconciliation, conflict resolution, and social cohesion across the Niger Delta, it earnestly implores the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in the supreme interest of economic stability, social justice, and national unity.
“The South-South region has remained a bastion of peace and an unwavering pillar of Nigeria’s economic survival. It is, therefore, imperative that judicial and political institutions exercise prudence, equity, and foresight in handling matters that profoundly impact the welfare of the region,” Ominimini said.
“This verdict constitutes a grave impediment to the painstaking peace-building initiatives spearheaded by PANDEF, particularly through the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee. The committee, having already commenced its reconciliatory engagements, has begun to record commendable strides in fostering harmony and stability within the state.
“PANDEF reaffirms its unwavering advocacy for dialogue, justice, and sustainable development. We call upon all relevant stakeholders—including the Federal Government, political actors, and the judiciary—to ensure that the people of Rivers State are not unduly victimized by avoidable political contentions. The sanctity of governance demands that economic imperatives supersede political rivalries for the greater good of the nation.
“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 during the Administration of Asiwaju Bola Amed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State by then President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“It was widely condemned by Nigerians and the international communities. One therefore wonders that such repetition would emerge again even in higher magnitude in this 21st century with potentially grave implications for peace and security in the entire Niger Delta.
