Rivers APC Condemns Tony Okocha’s Attempt to Halt Local Government Allocations

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Tony Okocha, a factional chairman of the party, for allegedly seeking to stop revenue allocations to the state’s 23 local government areas.

In a statement on Sunday, APC spokesperson Darlington Nwauju expressed concern over Okocha’s continued disregard for a court ruling that removed him and his seven-member caretaker committee from their positions.

Nwauju described Okocha’s actions as a deliberate effort to undermine the judiciary and disrupt governance in the state.

“The APC cannot remain indifferent to political moves that negatively affect the livelihood of Rivers citizens.

Okocha’s attempt to halt local government allocations directly threatens thousands of residents who depend on the local government system,” Nwauju stated.

Nwauju condemned Okocha’s alleged boast about securing a court order from Abuja to suspend the funds, despite a prior ruling in Port Harcourt invalidating his leadership.

“It is shameful that Okocha and his allies, who refuse to respect the High Court judgment nullifying their appointment by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), are now pursuing another judgment from a court of coordinate jurisdiction to halt local government allocations in Rivers State,” Nwauju said.

He warned that such attempts to obstruct the electoral process amount to an attack on democratic norms and could disrupt the operations of local councils and the welfare of council workers.

The APC also emphasized the need for the judiciary to remain independent and resist manipulation by politicians.

“We urge the judiciary to avoid becoming a tool for political interests.

Electoral bodies must maintain their independence, as demonstrated by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in conducting the local government elections on October 5, 2024,” the statement read.

Citing legal precedents, the APC referenced the 2004 case in which Lagos State resisted the confiscation of its funds by the Federal Government under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The party also noted the Supreme Court ruling in 2005, which barred the Federal Government from monitoring local government funds.

“Section 162(7) of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees local governments the right to receive funds without interference. The Supreme Court has consistently upheld this principle,” Nwauju added.

The APC criticized the alleged legislative moves under former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which they claim restricted legal challenges against local government elections.

“The flurry of litigations is motivated by selfish interests, not by a desire to strengthen democracy,” Nwauju said.

The APC further advocated for the implementation of the Justice Muhammad Uwais Panel’s recommendation for electoral body appointments to enhance trust in the election process.

“This is the path forward to ensure public confidence in the electoral process, not through actions resembling a civilian coup against innocent Rivers people,” the statement concluded.