APC in Rivers State Rejects Court Case Against LG Allocations, Calls It ‘Attack on Democracy’

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned a recent legal action by Tony Okocha, a party chieftain, aimed at halting funding allocations to local government councils. The APC, under its recently reinstated chairman, Emeka Beke, voiced strong disapproval of Okocha’s lawsuit, which it says threatens local governance and jeopardizes the livelihoods of Rivers State residents.

Party spokesperson Darlington Nwauju issued a press statement over the weekend denouncing the ongoing actions by Okocha and his team, whom he claims were removed from office by a court ruling but continue to portray themselves as legitimate APC representatives. Nwauju accused Okocha of seeking to disrupt local government operations due to his inability to access council funds.

This legal clash emerges following a recent press briefing where Okocha admitted to filing a court case to prevent council fund allocations, alleging flaws in the allocation process. In response, Nwauju condemned what he termed a “civilian coup d’etat” against the local government system in Rivers State.

The APC’s statement underscored the importance of local governments receiving funding without interference, as enshrined in Section 162(7) of the Nigerian Constitution, which upholds their financial independence. Citing past rulings, including a 2005 Supreme Court decision affirming local governments’ rights to funding, Nwauju argued that obstructing council funds threatens to dismantle democratic institutions and local governance in the state.

“Attempting to arrest electoral processes that are ongoing or near completion is an assault on democratic norms,” Nwauju stated, referencing the recent local government elections held by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on October 5. He drew parallels to a 2004 incident when Lagos State successfully resisted federal efforts to withhold funds over the creation of new local councils.

Nwauju further called out alleged political motivations behind the lawsuit, describing Okocha’s actions as attempts to manipulate the judiciary for personal gain rather than advancing democracy. He criticized the suit as a reflection of past attempts by Rivers lawmakers, under former Governor Nyesom Wike, to limit judicial intervention in local government affairs through restrictive amendments to election laws.

The APC concluded by encouraging all parties to support the recommendations of the Justice Muhammad Uwais Panel for appointing members of electoral bodies through a transparent, merit-based process, viewing this as a safeguard for democratic integrity in Nigeria.

Signed: Darlington Nwauju, Rivers State APC Spokesman