Rivers State Government has utged citizens of the state to remain calm, and law -abiding following the Supreme Court judgment delivered on Friday, just as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) described the ruling as being harsh on the people of the state.
A statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, said the government is awaiting full details of the ruling.
The statement assured the people of the state that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, will act in the best interests of the state following the Supreme Court’s ruling on matters concerning state funds, and local government administration.
The commissioner however, emphasised that the administration would carefully review the implications of the judgement before making any decisions.
“We have taken note of reports in the media regarding the recent judgment of the Supreme Court concerning the funds of Rivers State, and the administration of local governments,.
“At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment. We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people,” Johnson stated.
He also clarified that the ongoing case concerning the defection of Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and 26 other lawmakers remains unresolved before the Federal High Court, and was not part of the Supreme Court judgment.
“We believe that the determination of the main issue of defection of the 27 lawmakers is a matter not before the Supreme Court, as it is pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
“Since the issue of defection wasn’t on the table before the learned justices, in their eyes, Amaewhule and the 26 others are still operating as lawmakers, until that matter of defection comes before them.
“We assure you that we remain committed to upholding our mandate to protect the best interest, and the rule of law in all matters affecting our dear state,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, expressed deep concerns over the ruling, stating that it primarily affects the people of Rivers State.
PANDEF urged the apex court to reconsider its ruling, on the suspension of allocations to Rivers State, warning of the socio-economic consequences for its residents.
“PANDEF is profoundly dismayed by the Supreme Court’s pronouncement, which has effectively stalled the disbursement of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee to Rivers State.
“It is evident that the biggest casualties of this decision are the innocent citizens of Rivers State, for whom these funds are crucial for economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructural development.”, PANDEF statement said.
According to the organization, Rivers State, as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, should not suffer financial constraints due to a political dispute that could be amicably resolved.
The group insisted that depriving the state of its rightful allocations imposes undue hardship on a people who have consistently contributed to national sustenance.
Read also: Supreme court verdict: Commence Fubara’s impeachment- Ohanaeze tells Amaewhule
While reaffirming its commitment to peace and reconciliation in the Niger Delta, PANDEF urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its stance in the interest of economic stability, social justice, and national unity.
“The South-South region has remained a pillar of peace and a vital component of Nigeria’s economy. It is therefore, crucial for judicial and political institutions to handle such matters with fairness, wisdom, and foresight,” the statement further said.
PANDEF also noted that the ruling undermined the ongoing peace-building efforts led by the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which has made significant strides in fostering harmony within the state.
It reaffirmed its stance on dialogue, justice, and sustainable development, calling on the Nigerian government, political actors, and the judiciary to ensure that the people of Rivers State are not unfairly affected by political disputes.
PANDEF argued that the sanctity of governance, demands that economic imperatives should precedence over political rivalries for the greater good of all.
