By Ogbagah Matthias
DELTA – The Sociopolitical umbrella of the Niger Delta people, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has demanded the revisiting of the Supreme Court Decision to halt the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in Rivers State.
A press statement on Saturday signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the apex Niger Delta sociocultural and political organization Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, expressed dismay over the recent pronouncement of the Supreme Court, warning that Rivers State should not be subjected to fiscal strangulation owing to a political discord that remains eminently resolvable.
The statement reads, “Undoubtedly, the primary casualties of this judicial restraint will be the innocent citizens of Rivers State, for whom these funds serve as a lifeline for economic, social growth, and infrastructural development.
“As a pivotal contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector—the backbone of the nation’s economy—Rivers State should not be subjected to fiscal strangulation owing to a political discord that remains eminently resolvable. Indeed, to deprive the state of its rightful allocations is to impose unwarranted hardship on a people who have consistently contributed to national sustenance.
“While PANDEF remains resolute in its commitment to fostering reconciliation, conflict resolution, and social cohesion across the Niger Delta, we earnestly implore the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in the supreme interest of economic stability, social justice, and national unity. The South-South region has remained a bastion of peace and an unwavering pillar of Nigeria’s economic survival. It is, therefore, imperative that judicial and political institutions exercise prudence, equity, and foresight in handling matters that profoundly impact the welfare of the region.
“This verdict constitutes a grave impediment to the painstaking peace-building initiatives spearheaded by PANDEF, particularly through the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee. The committee, having commenced its reconciliatory engagements, has begun to record commendable strides in fostering harmony and stability within the state.
“PANDEF reaffirms its unwavering advocacy for dialogue, justice, and sustainable development. We call upon all relevant stakeholders—including the Federal Government, political actors, and the judiciary—to ensure that the people of Rivers State are not unduly victimized by avoidable political contentions. The sanctity of governance demands that economic imperatives supersede political rivalries for the greater good of the nation.
“One thing that has come to mind in the midst of this Supreme court ruling is the withdrawal of the local government fund to Lagos state during the Administration of Asiwaju Bola Amed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State by then President Olusegun Obasanjo. It was widely condemned by Nigerians and the international communities. One, therefore, wonders why such repetition would emerge again even in higher magnitude in this 21st century with potentially grave implications for peace and security in the entire Niger Delta.”
