Rivers APC Condemns Efforts to Halt Local Government Allocations in the State
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its strong opposition to moves to suspend revenue allocation to the state’s 23 local governments, which it claims is an attempt to disrupt the livelihoods of countless residents who rely on the local government system.
The party is not surprised that the factional chairman, Tony Okocha, who has continuously rejected a valid court ruling that removed him and his caretaker committee from office, would resort to new measures to try to derail the government and the local government system in the state. The party will no longer remain silent on matters affecting the citizens.
The APC spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, expressed concern that Okocha’s actions are not only an attempt to disregard the court’s decision but also to undermine the independence of the judiciary. By claiming that he has the backing of another court to stop local government allocations, Okocha is trying to use the court to further his own interests and disregard the well-being of Rivers people, who are significantly affected by the local government system.
The party has called on the judiciary to uphold its independence and resist any attempts to manipulate it for political gain, allowing the local government elections, conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on October 5, 2024, to stand.
The APC believes that the RSIEC, in the conduct of the local government elections, demonstrated independence and impartiality, and it is essential that the judiciary does the same, rather than allowing itself to be drawn into political battles. We believe that the judiciary should have the confidence to reject attempts to use its authority to advance personal agendas, demonstrating that it is truly an independent institution.
