Tony Okocha, the Acting Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed his approval of the recent Federal High Court decision that suspended the monthly allocations from the Federation Account to Rivers State.
Okocha made his remarks during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, stated that Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly constituted a violation of constitutional provisions. Justice Abdulmalik further characterized Fubara’s receipt and distribution of monthly allocations as a constitutional anomaly.
The court determined that Rivers State’s actions in executing an unlawful budget represented a serious infringement of the 1999 Constitution, which Governor Fubara vowed to uphold.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Accountant-General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank to restrict Fubara’s access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Accounts.
Okocha emphasized that Governor Fubara must adhere to the 1999 Constitution, which he promised to protect. He stated, “As the APC, we support the court’s ruling as it is the foundation of civil society; the court’s authority outweighs individual moral judgments.”
He also took the opportunity to defend Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, against what he described as unwarranted attacks, noting that Wike is not a defendant in any of the approximately 32 cases currently before the court.
Regarding the recent efforts by certain Niger Delta elders and stakeholders to mediate in the ongoing Rivers crisis, Okocha criticized their timing, declaring it too late for intervention.
He remarked, “It is foolishness to lament after the damage is done. These elders have been absent during crucial moments. Now that the situation has escalated, they suddenly want to intervene?”
Okocha further pointed out that these same elders had previously encouraged the governor to act beyond his means, leading to the current predicament. “Many of those who advised him have vanished, having filled their pockets while the governor faces the consequences of his actions.”
He concluded with a call for peace, asserting that adherence to the law is the only path forward. “To achieve peace, we must follow the legal framework,” he stated.
