PDP Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Laments Over Judgment That Seized Rivers State Government’s Statutory Allocations
As the Federal High Court in Abuja orders the seizure of statutory allocations to the Rivers State Government, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed disappointment and concern over the development.
According to Naijawebinfo, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Abuja Federal High Court had earlier ruled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before the four-member Rivers House of Assembly contravened constitutional provisions. The judge further ordered the seizure of monthly federal allocations, citing a constitutional violation.
Reacting to the judgment, Wabara expressed dismay in an interview with Vanguard, describing it as “judicial insensitivity” and an “invitation to anarchy.” He emphasized that the judgment has severe consequences, including the potential for the state to be thrown into chaos and the loss of government revenue.
The former Senate President emphasized that the allocation to the state government is meant for the development of the entire state, not just for Governor Fubara. He warned that the court’s decision could lead to a resurgence of unrest in the state, with youths potentially returning to the creeks.
Wabara also questioned the logic behind the judgment, asking why the court did not also order the allocation meant for the judiciary to be stopped. He lamented that the judiciary has failed Nigeria, describing the country’s situation as “hopeless.”
“Can they also order that the allocation meant for the judiciary be stopped?” Wabara asked. “I’m in pain. I weep for this country. This is not the democracy we all anticipated. The CJN should intensify efforts in calling the judges to order. If she invited them just a few days ago to admonish them and this thing is happening, then it means there’s no hope for the country.”
The former Senate President had earlier advised President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Rivers State political crisis, fearing it could consume the entire nation. Wabara urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to take steps to address the situation and restore order to the country’s judiciary.
