PANDEF urges Supreme Court to revisit FAAC decision on Rivers State

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has issued a strong appeal, demanding a reconsideration of the Supreme Court’s decision to halt Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements to Rivers State. In a press statement released on Saturday, the apex Niger Delta socio-cultural and political organization expressed deep concern over the ruling, warning against the potential for fiscal strangulation and its detrimental impact on the state’s citizens.

Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, emphasised the severe consequences of the ruling. “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,” he stated.

PANDEF highlighted Rivers State’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, arguing that depriving the state of its rightful allocations would impose undue hardship on a population that has consistently contributed to the nation’s economic sustenance. “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,” the statement read.

The organization implored the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in the interest of economic stability, social justice, and national unity. They also expressed concern that the verdict hinders the peace-building efforts spearheaded by PANDEF’s Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee.

PANDEF reiterated its commitment to dialogue, justice, and sustainable development, urging all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, political actors, and the judiciary, to ensure that the people of Rivers State are not victimized by political disputes. They drew a parallel to the widely condemned withdrawal of local government funds from Lagos State during the tenure of then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, questioning the recurrence of such actions with potentially graver implications for the Niger Delta’s peace and security.