Rivers State Local Government Chairman Accuses Gov Fubara of Withholding Funds
In a recent development, the Rivers State chapter of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON) has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of withholding funds meant for the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. This accusation was made public on May 08, 2024, and has stirred significant controversy within the state’s political landscape.
The local government chairmen have claimed that this withholding of funds has significantly hampered their governance duties and the proper functioning of the third tier of government in Rivers State. They allege that Governor Fubara’s actions are tantamount to proscribing local government councils in the state. In response to these claims, the Association has backed the call by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Tony Okocha, for the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
Governor Fubara has faced criticism from the local government chairmen for neglecting, failing, and deliberately refusing to hold the statutory Joint Account Allocation Committee Meeting, which is a prerequisite for the release and disbursement of funds due to the local government. This has resulted in the withholding of statutory allocations to the 23 LGAs since April 2024.
The situation has become particularly dire for the Emuoha Local Government Area, which has reportedly not received its funds since March 2024. This has led to the local government being starved of the funds required to discharge its statutory functions in the administration of the local government areas.
In response to these allegations, Governor Fubara and his administration have yet to issue a public statement. The situation remains tense, with the impeachment call backed by the ALGON adding to the pressure on the state government to address the issue.
The unfolding drama in Rivers State is not only a political issue but also a significant concern for the governance and administrative capabilities of the state’s local government system. It remains to be seen how Governor Fubara and the state government will respond to these accusations and the calls for impeachment.
