FG Withholds Rivers State Allocation Amid Wike-Fubara Dispute

The Federal Government has withheld the October allocation of Rivers State from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), further escalating the ongoing political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. This move, confirmed by Bawa Mokwa, spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), follows a Federal High Court ruling that restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Government from disbursing funds to the state.

Justice Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court issued the ruling on October 30, directing that Rivers State’s funds be frozen until Governor Fubara re-presents the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly. This legal directive stems from a lawsuit filed by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the state assembly, which alleged that Governor Fubara had failed to comply with the court’s earlier order. The faction claimed that the governor presented the budget only to five members of the Assembly loyal to him on December 11, 2023, ignoring the court's directive to involve the full legislative body.

The Amaewhule faction, reportedly aligned with Wike, has accused the state executive of undermining legislative authority, a charge that has deepened the already strained relationship between the two political figures. Governor Fubara’s administration has faced increasing opposition since his fallout with Wike shortly after assuming office. This power struggle has polarized the Rivers State political landscape, creating a complex battle for control between Wike’s loyalists and Fubara’s supporters.

Bawa Mokwa, while confirming the withholding of funds, stated that the Federal Government is committed to adhering to the court’s ruling unless directed otherwise. “The October 2024 FAAC has not been distributed yet. However, the Federal Government will obey the court order on Rivers State’s allocation. As long as there’s no contrary directive, the status will remain,” Mokwa clarified.

The federal government has emphasized the need for caution in handling Rivers State’s allocation, highlighting the sensitive nature of the matter. Mokwa noted that the process of disbursement for the October allocation is ongoing but stressed that due diligence will be observed. The withholding of funds places Rivers State in a precarious financial position, potentially disrupting governance and critical state operations.

The situation underscores the growing tension between Fubara and Wike, whose influence as a former governor continues to loom large in the state’s politics. This conflict has significantly impacted governance in the oil-rich state, with the freezing of funds further complicating the administration’s ability to meet financial obligations. The standoff has not only disrupted legislative processes but also created uncertainty about the future of governance in Rivers State, with citizens and stakeholders left to bear the consequences of the political impasse.

As the crisis continues to unfold, the implications for Rivers State’s political stability and financial health remain severe, with no clear resolution in sight. The ongoing rivalry between these two political heavyweights highlights the broader challenges of leadership and governance in the state.