Gentlemen of the press
Protocol
SEIZURE OF RIVERS ALLOCATION – WE SHALL TRIUMPH
- RIVDAL expresses its strong condemnation of the judgment by the Federal High Court, led by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing the monthly allocations for Rivers State. This ruling is not only harsh but is, in our view, unconstitutional and illegal. Such a decision threatens the wellbeing of millions of Rivers people, placing undue hardship on citizens who rely on critical state services funded through these allocations.
- RIVDAL firmly condemns this judgment, viewing it as an affront to the constitutional rights of Rivers State. Blocking the release of allocations is an overreach that disregards the principles of federalism and state sovereignty. It is unacceptable and unjust to subject the people of Rivers State to hardship due to what appears to be politically motivated interference.
3.We have confidence that the appellate courts will swiftly quash this inhuman and draconian ruling, which we believe was procured by parties acting as devil’s advocates. Rivers State will prevail, and we stand with the Governor in pursuing justice. RIVDAL trusts in the judicial process to overturn this judgment in favor of Rivers people.
- While the government pursues legal redress, we believe it is time for the Governor to strengthen internal revenue generation mechanisms. This period of fiscal uncertainty underscores the importance of revenue independence to safeguard essential state projects and services against similar challenges in the future.
- RIVDAL recommends that the government investigate how Tinibu did it in Lagos in 20001, when Fmr President Obasnajo seized Lagos allocation.Examples such as Lagos State demonstrate how effective revenue strategies can reduce dependency on federal allocations. We also encourage the exploration of models from other international regions with robust, self-sustaining revenue generation systems.
- To achieve realistic, actionable revenue solutions, the government should engage financial analysts and think tanks. With the help of these experts, Rivers State can establish immediate, short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans for revenue generation, rooted in practical and sustainable strategies.
- An urgent priority should be identifying and plugging revenue leakages across the state. Rivers State is home to talented and experienced individuals capable of developing systems to enhance transparency and secure revenue channels. RIVDAL urges the government to enlist these experts to protect the state’s financial interests effectively.
- RIVDAL commends the Governor’s efforts to strengthen Rivers State. It is diabolical that certain factions would go to such lengths to sabotage the state’s progress simply to advance their agenda. We urge the public to remain vigilant and support initiatives that protect the welfare and prosperity of Rivers people.
9.RIVDAL assures the people of Rivers State that, regardless of the obstacles, the resilience and determination of our government and citizens will lead us to a successful resolution. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for the rights of Rivers people and supporting efforts to uphold justice and prosperity for all.
End of Statement
Signed:
David Oguzierem
Chairman, Rivers Defense Alliance (RIVDAL)
07031200894
daveoguzierem@gmail.com
