Supreme Court Decision On Rivers State Has Serious Consequences For Peace – PANDEF
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for a review and reconsideration of the Supreme Court’s decision stopping the distribution of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to Rivers State.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday stopped 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.
It also invalidated the local government elections conducted by Governor Sim Fubara led administration, declaring that the election was unlawful as it violated the Electoral Act.
However, PANDEF said that the Court’s decision has serious consequences for the peace and security in the Niger Delta, stressing that it could also undermine efforts toward peace and reconciliation in the region, particularly the work of its Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah.
PANDEF while expressing concern over the potential negative impact of the apex decision on Rivers’ State’s development and the well-being of its residents, stressed that the Supreme Court decision marked a significant setback for Rivers State as its citizens depended on the funds for economic, social and infrastructural development.
These were contained in a statement by Obiuwevbi Ominimini, National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, stressing that the primary victims of the judicial decision will be the people of Rivers State, who rely on these funds for their livelihood and community development.
PANDEF further said that Rivers State, as a key contributor to the nation’s oil and gas industry, should not be financially strangled due to a political crisis.
PANDEF said; “Denying the state its rightful share is an unjust burden on a people who have continually supported the nation’s economic stability”.
PANDEF therefore urged the Supreme Court to review its decision in the interest of national unity, economic well-being, and social justice.
The organisation therefore called for fairness and foresight from both judicial and political institutions when addressing matters that affect the Niger Delta.
PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to justice, dialogue, and sustainable development, and tasked all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, political leaders, and the judiciary to ensure that Rivers State is not unjustly penalized due to political disputes.
