The situation in Rivers State appears to be escalating, as Governor Siminalayi Fubara is now facing more challenges in addition to the ongoing conflict with pro-Wike lawmakers.
The Rivers State chapter of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria, ALGON, has accused Governor Fubara of withholding funds meant for the 23 LGAs in the state.
This alleged action has reportedly impeded the ability of the LG chairmen to carry out their responsibilities.
The chairmen argue that the Governor’s actions are tantamount to abolishing local government councils in the state.
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Furthermore, they have expressed their support for the impeachment call made by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Tony Okocha, who urged the Martins Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
The state chapter of ALGON conveyed their stance during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Allwell Ihunda, the State ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, stated, “The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, has observed that the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has failed to convene the statutory Joint Account Allocation Committee Meeting, which is necessary for the release and distribution of funds owed to the local government in the State Joint Local Government Accounts.
The government has also allegedly withheld the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government councils of Rivers State since April 2024, and in the case of Emuoha LGA since March 2024 until now, without valid reason, thereby depriving the third tier of government of the necessary funds to fulfill its statutory duties in the administration of the local government areas.”
