The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the release of Rivers State’s statutory allocation, describing the move as a testament to his dedication to equity and national cohesion.
Speaking at the Uyo Airport on Saturday, PANDEF’s newly elected National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, expressed satisfaction with the decision, saying, “it’s a statesmanly action that brings relief not only to the people of Rivers State but to all Nigerians.”
This development follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which in October had prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing further monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government.
Read Also: FIDA Rivers Urges Teenage Girls to Develop Leadership Skills
Federal Government Clarifies: Rivers State Still Receiving Monthly Allocations
The court cited alleged constitutional breaches by Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the basis for its judgment. Despite the state government’s appeal, the Federal Government clarified that it would continue releasing funds to Rivers State, ensuring its citizens are not unduly affected.
In a statement on Sunday, PANDEF spokesperson Obiuwevbi Ominimini emphasized the importance of this decision. Quoting Igali, he said, “This decision will ensure that the innocent citizens of Rivers State will not suffer vicariously from the family feud between some of the political leaders of the state.”
Igali further expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s intervention would strengthen the reconciliation efforts spearheaded by PANDEF’s High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, chaired by Obong Victor Attah. The committee aims to foster unity and resolve disputes among political leaders in the region.
He also urged political actors, youth groups, and women’s organizations in Rivers State to follow the Federal Government’s example by prioritizing dialogue and reducing tensions. The forum reiterated its call for solidarity among stakeholders in Rivers State, urging them to support peace-building initiatives led by regional elders.
PANDEF remains hopeful that these efforts will contribute to the broader goals of stability and development in the Niger Delta region.
