PANDEF DEMANDS SUPREME COURT RECONSIDER RIVERS STATE FAAC ALLOCATION DECISION
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed profound worry and dismay over the recent Supreme Court decision to halt the disbursement of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to Rivers State. In a statement, PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, described the decision as a “judicial restraint” that will primarily affect innocent citizens of Rivers State, who rely on these funds for economic, social growth, and infrastructural development.
Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini stated that Rivers State, as a pivotal contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, should not be subjected to fiscal strangulation due to a political discord that remains eminently resolvable. “To deprive the state of its rightful allocations is to impose unwarranted hardship on a people who have consistently contributed to national sustenance,” he said.
PANDEF remains committed to fostering reconciliation, conflict resolution, and social cohesion across the Niger Delta. Chief Ominimini earnestly implored the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in the interest of economic stability, social justice, and national unity. He emphasized that the South-South region has remained a bastion of peace and an unwavering pillar of Nigeria’s economic survival.
The verdict, according to Chief Ominimini, constitutes a grave impediment to the peace-building initiatives spearheaded by PANDEF, particularly through the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee. PANDEF reaffirms its advocacy for dialogue, justice, and sustainable development, calling on stakeholders to ensure that the people of Rivers State are not unduly victimized by avoidable political contentions.
Chief Ominimini drew parallels with the withdrawal of local government funds to Lagos State during Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration as governor, which was widely condemned by Nigerians and the international community. He expressed shock and dismay at the repetition of such an event in the 21st century, urging the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.
