The Rivers State chapter of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON) has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of withholding funds meant for the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. The association said this has denied the third tier of government of its ability to function effectively.
The LG chairmen said the action of the Governor is tantamount to prescribing local government councils in the state, even as they backed the call by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Tony Okocha, for the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor.
The State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, stated this at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. Ihunda stated, “It has come to the notice of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter that the Rivers State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has neglected, failed and deliberately refused to hold the statutory Joint Account Allocation Committee Meeting which is the prerequisite for the release and disbursement of funds due to the local government in the State Joint Local Government Accounts.
“And has continued to withhold the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government councils of Rivers State since the month of April, 2024. And in the case of Emuoha LGA since March, 2024 till date for no just cause, thereby starving the third tier of government of the funds required to discharge its statutory functions in the administration of the local government areas.
This accusation has raised concerns about the ability of the local government councils to function effectively and provide basic amenities to the people of Rivers State. The impeachment call by the ALGON and the APC has also raised political tensions in the state, with many calling for the Governor to be held accountable for his actions.
The Governor has yet to respond to the allegations, but it is expected that he will address the issue soon. The people of Rivers State are watching the situation closely, and many are calling for transparency and accountability in the management of the state's funds.
As the situation unfolds, many are left to wonder what the future holds for the people of Rivers State, and whether the local government councils will be able to function effectively under the current administration. The accusation by ALGON and the impeachment call by the APC has raised many questions, and it is expected that the coming days will be crucial in determining the direction of the state.
In a related development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the call for the Governor's impeachment, saying it is an "invitation to anarchy". The party has accused the APC of trying to destabilize the state and undermine the democratic process.
The crisis has also raised concerns about the ability of the political parties to work together for the good of the people of Rivers State. Many are calling for dialogue and reconciliation, and for the political leaders to put the interest of the people above their own political ambitions.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are left to wonder what the future holds for the people of Rivers State, and whether the political leaders will be able to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the state.
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