The All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction supporting the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike are allegedly making moves to block the monthly local government allocations for Rivers State. These groups are seeking court injunctions to halt the constitutional flow of funds to the state’s local governments.
This revelation came from Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a federal lawmaker representing Ideato South/North constituency in Imo State, who spoke out in a statement released to The Trumpet. Ugochinyere asserted that credible sources confirmed that a legal process had been filed at the Federal High Court by the APC and Wike’s faction to stop the Rivers State local government allocations.
According to Ugochinyere, “The APC and the pro-Wike faction have filed a suit at the Federal High Court, aiming to seize the statutory sovereign allocation meant for the local governments in Rivers State. No court in Nigeria has declared the election of the local government chairmen invalid, yet they seek to obstruct the constitutional allocation of revenue.”
He further explained that this is the second time Wike’s faction has attempted such a move, as they previously sought to block the entire state’s allocation. Ugochinyere pointed out that the recent LGA election in Rivers State was conducted in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment, but the Wike faction, allegedly aligned with President Tinubu’s interests, is trying to overturn the results.
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Adding fuel to the fire, Ugochinyere revealed intelligence that some pro-Wike supporters are boasting that the case will soon be assigned to judges known for issuing swift ex parte orders in favor of the faction.
“We are monitoring this closely and will alert the Nigerian people if necessary,” Ugochinyere warned, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent further constitutional disorder. He emphasized that the local government allocations are a constitutional right, and any attempt to block them would undermine democracy.
“The people of Rivers State have elected their council chairmen and councillors in line with the Supreme Court ruling, and any attempt to sabotage democracy in Rivers will be fiercely resisted,” Ugochinyere stressed.
He also urged the Wike faction to accept the results of the election and abandon their alleged plans to disrupt the flow of funds. “President Tinubu cannot sit back and watch as democracy is eroded under his watch. The judiciary should also refrain from entertaining frivolous cases that could harm its reputation.”
