Rivers Crisis: APC, Pro-Wike Group Allegedly Pushing to Stop Local Government Allocations

A political crisis is brewing in Rivers State as opposition lawmakers have raised concerns over a suspected move by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, allegedly seeking a court order to stop the state’s local government allocations.

Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing the Ideato South/North Federal Constituency in Imo State, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday. He claimed that credible information indicated that the APC and the pro-Wike group were collaborating with certain “anti-democratic forces” to file legal proceedings at the Federal High Court. The aim of the suit, Ugochinyere suggested, is to secure an injunction to withhold the statutory monthly funds allocated to Rivers State’s local governments.

In his statement, Ugochinyere alleged that this is part of a broader attempt to create “constitutional disorder,” following the group’s dissatisfaction with the recent Rivers State local government elections. He pointed out that the elections were conducted in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling and that no court had invalidated the results.

“The APC and pro-Wike group are now seeking to stop the constitutional revenue allocation to an arm of government that is legally mandated,” Ugochinyere said. He further warned that this is the second attempt by the group to interfere with the local government funds, following a previous case where they sought to seize the entire state allocation.

The lawsuit, according to Ugochinyere, targets multiple federal and state institutions, including the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Attorney Generals of both the Federation and Rivers State.

He accused the group of trying to overturn the democratic process in Rivers State, noting that supporters of the pro-Wike camp had allegedly boasted about influencing judges to obtain swift ex-parte orders in their favor. Ugochinyere warned that the opposition would be vigilant and take action if necessary to defend democracy in Rivers State.

The lawmaker also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging him to prevent any actions that could destabilize the state or undermine Nigeria’s democratic processes. He emphasized that the local government allocations are a constitutional right and should not be hijacked.

“The people of Rivers have elected their council chairmen and councillors in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, and any attempt to undermine this democratic process will be met with resistance,” Ugochinyere said. He concluded by urging the judiciary to reject any “frivolous” requests from the pro-Wike group in order to safeguard its reputation.