It appears that more developments are emerging in Rivers State, suggesting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will encounter further obstacles beyond the current confrontation with pro-Wike legislators.
The Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON) in Rivers State has now alleged that Governor Fubara is withholding funds designated for the 23 LGAs in the state.
According to the state chapter of ALGON, this action has impeded their ability to carry out their responsibilities.
The local government chairpersons argue that the Governor’s actions are tantamount to abolishing local government councils in the state.
They have also expressed support for the impeachment call against the Governor 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 commence impeachment proceedings against Fubara.
The stance of the state ALGON chapter was conveyed during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters, 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 neglected, failed, and deliberately declined to convene the statutory Joint Account Allocation Committee Meeting, a necessity for the release and disbursement of funds owed to the local governments in the State Joint Local Government Accounts.
“The State Government has persistently held back the statutory allocations meant for the 23 local government councils of Rivers State since April 2024,” Ihunda added.
“In the case of Emuoha LGA, the funds have been withheld since March 2024 until present without valid reasons, thereby depriving the local government of the necessary funds to fulfill its statutory functions in the management of the local government areas.”