The Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has cautioned the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), against accessing statutory allocations or any other funds meant for the state.
The group issued the warning in a statement released to the media on Friday following its strategy meeting in Abuja.
In the statement, signed by Barr. Obinna Nwachukwu, Protem National Coordinator of CP-PDP, the group emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant Ibas the authority to appropriate or disburse funds belonging to Rivers State.
Citing Section 120 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), CP-PDP stated:
“No money shall be withdrawn from any public fund of the State, other than the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State, unless the issue of these moneys has been authorized by a law of the House of Assembly of the State.
No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State or any other public fund of the State except in the manner prescribed by the House of Assembly.”
The group further referenced Section 121 (1), which empowers only a democratically elected governor to prepare and present the state’s budget before the House of Assembly for approval.
Describing Ibas’ appointment by President Bola Tinubu as “illegal”, CP-PDP argued that it contradicts Section 5(2) of the Constitution, which vests executive powers solely in a democratically elected governor.
The group added that, according to Section 1(3) of the Constitution, any law inconsistent with its provisions is void, rendering the National Assembly’s endorsement of Ibas’ appointment “null and unconstitutional.”
CP-PDP also placed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on notice, warning against any unauthorized withdrawals or expenditures by Ibas.
Furthermore, the group revealed plans to petition international bodies for sanctions, including visa bans, against individuals involved in what it described as an “assault on democracy in Rivers State.”
Commending PDP governors for challenging the matter at the Supreme Court, CP-PDP reaffirmed its commitment to preserving democratic principles in Nigeria.
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