Rivers Crisis: APC, Pro-Wike Faction Allegedly Seek To Block LG Allocations

A coalition of opposition lawmakers has raised concerns over an alleged attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to secure a court order to halt the monthly local government allocations for Rivers State.

The spokesperson for the coalition, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato South/North Federal Constituency in Imo State, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He claimed that credible information had surfaced indicating that the group, in collaboration with anti-democratic elements, had filed a legal motion at the Federal High Court.

The aim, according to Ugochinyere, is to prevent the distribution of funds allocated to Rivers State’s local governments.

In his statement, Ugochinyere noted, “The APC and Pro-Wike group, as I am speaking, is filing a suit at the Federal High Court to help them seize the statutory sovereign allocation of the entire Rivers State LGAs, knowing fully well that no court in Nigeria has declared the election of the LGA chairmen invalid. But still, they want to stop the constitutional allocation of revenue to an arm of government that is constitutionally mandated.

“This is the second of such cases by the Wike group to bring about constitutional disorder. They have a pending case seeking to seize the entire Rivers allocation/LGA funds they filed, and now they are using the Wike-APC faction to file another suit seeking an order to stop the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Attorney-General of Rivers State, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.”

Ugochinyere explained that the group’s actions are a response to their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the recent Rivers State local government election, which was conducted in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling.

He accused the faction of being intent on overturning the election results at all costs, allegedly claiming to have the support of President Bola Tinubu.

The opposition lawmaker also mentioned reports suggesting that pro-Wike supporters had been boasting about having the case assigned to judges known for issuing swift rulings in their favor.

Ugochinyere warned that his coalition would continue to monitor the situation closely and alert the public as necessary.

He emphasized that local government allocations are constitutionally protected and cannot be withheld, especially with legally elected leadership in place.

Ugochinyere urged the Wike faction to accept the election results and abandon their alleged efforts to destabilize the state, calling on President Tinubu to step in and ensure that democracy is not undermined in Rivers State.

“The people of Rivers State have elected their council chairmen and councillors in line with the recent ruling of the Supreme Court to democratize all LGAs in Nigeria, and any attempt to truncate democracy in Rivers would be resisted by the people.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot afford to fold his arms and watch as the Wike group plots to reverse democracy in Rivers State and undermine the peace and stability of the country. I hope the case doesn’t go to those who like to issue orders for the Pro-Wike group in seconds.

“We are watching closely. The judiciary should quit granting any frivolous requests from the Wike group related to the LG polls in Rivers to help save the image of the judiciary, which their desperation is undermining,” Ugochinyere said.