The Rivers state chapter of the association of local government areas of Nigeria (ALGON) has accused governor Siminalayi Fubara of withholding funds meant for the 23 local government areas in the state.
The chairman of ALGON in the state, Allwell Ihunda, who is also the chairman of Portharcourt local government, said the action has denied them of their functions in the administration of the third tier of government.
He said, “It has come to the notice of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, that the Rivers state government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has neglected, failed, and deliberately refused to hold the statutory joint account allocation committee meeting, which is the prerequisite for the disbursement of funds due to the local government in the state joint local government accounts.
“He has continued to withhold the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government councils of Rivers state since April 2024 and in the case of Emuoha LGA since March 2024 till date for no just course, thereby starving the third tier of the government of the funds required to discharge its statutory functions in the administration of the local government areas.”
Meanwhile, the caretaker committee chairman of the all-progressives’ congress, (APC) in the state, Tony Okocha, called on state house of assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor. Mr. Okocha made the call a day after Governor Fubara had said the House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, was not recognised by law.
