The Rivers State government has responded to a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which ordered an immediate stop to the allocation of funds to local governments in the state.
According to officials, the decision was anticipated due to earlier actions and decisions made during the case proceedings. The state government has officially appealed the ruling, stating they are confident that the Court of Appeal will overturn it.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, noted a series of procedural signs that led to the government’s expectations. He explained that the trial judge had refused to include the 23 council chairmen as parties in the case, declined the state’s request to replace its legal representative, and overruled the state’s objection regarding the court’s jurisdiction.
“When the trial Judge refused to add the 23 Council Chairmen as parties, declined the State’s request to change its lawyer, and overruled our jurisdiction objection, it was evident,” he stated.
Johnson assured the public that the Rivers State government is actively pursuing a reversal of the decision through legal channels. He emphasized the government’s belief that the appeal process would provide justice for Rivers State, as local government funding is critical for maintaining essential services and the livelihoods of residents across the region.
Meanwhile, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), a key civil society group in the state, voiced strong criticism of the court ruling.
MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, described the judgment as “unjust and genocidal,” warning that halting local government funding would have a severe impact on the people of Rivers State.
Nsuke stressed that the disruption of local government operations could escalate social and economic issues, as it directly affects community services and financial stability in the area.
He cautioned that “cutting off a community’s economic lifeline is harmful and potentially volatile,” especially as it pressures individuals and families already struggling economically.
Nsuke further emphasized the importance of Rivers State to Nigeria’s overall stability, arguing that restricting its economic operations could harm the nation.
“Suppressing Rivers State could have far-reaching consequences on the stability of Nigeria,” he said, urging the authorities to delay enforcement of the court’s ruling until the appeal process has concluded.
In addition, Chief Joseph Ambakaderimom, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Niger Delta oil and gas-producing communities, echoed these calls for caution.
He advised patience and adherence to the legal process, reminding all involved that only a higher court has the authority to amend the current judgment.
Ambakaderimom stated that the Rivers State government is committed to a peaceful resolution and is following all necessary legal procedures to seek a fair outcome.
