A Federal High Court in Rivers has issued an interim order on Friday, instructing the state to release funds to the local government areas pending further legal proceedings.
ThisNigeria reports that nine local government chairmen, who are loyalists of FCT Minister, Wike, had filed an ex-parte application, seeking relief from what they perceived as unjust withholding of financial allocations and the withdrawal of security personnel.
The plaintiffs in the case are various local government chairmen, including Dr. Chidi LLoyd of Emohua Local Government, Hon Alwell Ihunda of Port Harcourt Local Government, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, Ikwerre Local Government Area; Barrister George Ariolu, Chairman, Obio-Akpor Local Government; Dr Obbinna Anyawu, Chairman, Etchi Local Government Area; and Hon Chidorom Nwaiwu, Chairman, Omuma Local Government Area.
Others are Dr Hope Ikiriko, Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area; Barrister Benjamin Isreal Eke, Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government; and Dr Roland Sekibo, Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA.
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The chairmen alleged that the state government, displeased with amended laws governing local government affairs, sought to undermine their authority by withdrawing security support.
They argued that without adequate security, they cannot effectively execute their responsibilities.
Delivering his judgement, Justice James Omotosho, emphasized that the Rivers State Government should not obstruct the chairmen from fulfilling their duties until the court reaches a final decision.
Omotosho ordered all parties to maintain the existing state of affairs until a formal hearing on the matter scheduled for May 2, 2024.
He cautioned against any action that could undermine the court’s directive, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
