According to a report from Symfoni TV. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a federal lawmaker, has voiced serious concerns following the Federal High Court in Abuja’s decision to reserve judgment in a contentious lawsuit brought forth by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule. This faction is seeking to halt the allocation of state funds, raising fears of significant repercussions for the local government and its citizens.
In a live broadcast on Symfoni TV, Ugochinyere emphasized that he had previously alerted the public about an alleged plan to seize the statutory allocations designated for both Rivers State and its 23 local government areas. He suggested that this move could be an orchestrated effort to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration. Ugochinyere argued that such actions would primarily affect the residents of Rivers State by disrupting critical services and infrastructure.
He articulated that withholding these funds would impede the state’s constitutional responsibility to protect its citizens and maintain public order, as mandated by Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution. “I warned two weeks ago that the next step is to seize the statutory revenue of Rivers State and its local governments. Do you really think this will lead to the removal of Fubara from office? It’s the people of Rivers who will suffer,” Ugochinyere stated.
He continued to assert that if those opposing Fubara possessed the necessary legislative support and legitimacy, they should pursue impeachment through appropriate channels rather than resorting to financial sabotage. Ugochinyere pointed out that the revenue in question is essential for paying public servants, including teachers and healthcare workers, as well as for maintaining critical infrastructure and ensuring public safety.
Highlighting the government’s primary duty, he reminded viewers, “What does the government’s responsibility entail under Section 14? It is the protection of lives and property. If you seize that statutory revenue, you are obstructing the state’s ability to fulfill this essential function.”
