The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep concern over the Supreme Court's recent decision to halt the disbursement of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to Rivers State, warning that such a move could have severe implications for the state's economic stability and the well-being of its citizens.
In a statement released on Saturday, PANDEF's National Publicity Secretary, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, emphasized that the primary victims of this judicial action would be the innocent residents of Rivers State, who rely on these funds for essential services, infrastructure development, and social programs. He highlighted that Rivers State, as a significant contributor to Nigeria's oil and gas sector—the backbone of the nation's economy—should not be subjected to fiscal constraints due to political disagreements that are resolvable. Depriving the state of its rightful allocations, he argued, imposes undue hardship on a populace that has consistently supported national sustenance.
PANDEF also expressed concern that this verdict poses a significant obstacle to ongoing peace-building initiatives in the region, particularly those led by the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which has been making commendable progress in fostering harmony and stability within the state.
Drawing parallels to past incidents, PANDEF recalled the 2004 scenario where the Federal Government withheld local government funds from Lagos State during the administration of then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That action was widely condemned both domestically and internationally. The forum cautioned against repeating such measures, especially in the 21st century, given the potentially grave implications for peace and security in the entire Niger Delta region.
In light of these concerns, PANDEF earnestly appealed to the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in the interest of economic stability, social justice, and national unity. The forum also called upon all relevant stakeholders—including the Federal Government, political actors, and the judiciary—to ensure that the people of Rivers State are not unduly affected by avoidable political disputes. They stressed that the sanctity of governance requires that economic imperatives take precedence over political rivalries for the greater good of the nation.
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