Bola Badmus, Author at Tribune Online

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed profound concern and dismay over the recent Supreme Court pronouncement, which halted the disbursement of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to Rivers State. PANDEF urged the apex court to reconsider its decision in the supreme interest of economic stability, social justice, and national unity. PANDEF made this appeal on Saturday in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, emphasizing that the primary victims of this judicial restraint would be the innocent citizens of the state. The forum noted that these funds serve as a lifeline for economic growth, social development, and infrastructural progress. The socio-cultural group argued that Rivers State, as a pivotal contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and a backbone of the nation’s economy, should not be subjected to fiscal strangulation due to a political dispute that remains resolvable. It added: "Indeed, depriving the state of its rightful allocations imposes unwarranted hardship on a people who have consistently contributed to national sustenance." While pleading with the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision, PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to fostering reconciliation, conflict resolution, and social cohesion across the Niger Delta. It further noted that the South-South region has remained a bastion of peace and an unwavering pillar of Nigeria’s economic survival. ALSO READ: Alleged sexual harassment: I have evidence — Natasha replies Akpabio’s wife Additionally, PANDEF recalled the withdrawal of Lagos State council funds during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. It described this past development as widely condemned by Nigerians and the international community, expressing concern that history appears to be repeating itself on an even larger scale in the 21st century, with potentially grave implications for peace and security in the Niger Delta. **"It is, therefore, imperative that judicial and political institutions exercise prudence, equity, and foresight in handling matters that profoundly impact the welfare of the region. "This verdict constitutes a serious setback to the painstaking peace-building initiatives spearheaded by PANDEF, particularly through the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee. The committee, having already commenced its reconciliatory engagements, has begun to achieve commendable progress in fostering harmony and stability within the state," PANDEF stated. "PANDEF reaffirms its unwavering advocacy for dialogue, justice, and sustainable development. We call upon all relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Government, political actors, and the judiciary to ensure that the people of Rivers State are not unduly victimized by avoidable political conflicts. The sanctity of governance demands that economic imperatives supersede political rivalries for the greater good of the nation."