The Supreme Court’s decision to halt the allocation of federal funds to Rivers State has ignited a storm of controversy, with political figures and citizens alike voicing their outrage. Opunabo Inko-Tariah, a former special adviser to Nyesom Wike, has condemned the ruling, warning that it could destabilize governance and deepen political strife in the South-South state.
A Troubling Precedent?
In an interview, Inko-Tariah described the situation as “worrisome” and accused the judiciary of bias in its application of justice. He recalled a similar case during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration when federal allocations to Lagos State were withheld over the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). However, under President Umaru Yar’Adua, the withheld funds were eventually released.
“Why is the Rivers case different? Why is the Supreme Court cherry-picking in the administration of justice?” he asked, stressing that the ruling primarily punishes the people of Rivers, not Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He argued that despite the financial strain, Fubara has managed the state effectively without resorting to loans, relying on internally generated revenue (IGR) and federal allocations. Cutting off funds, he warned, would jeopardize essential services such as healthcare and workers’ salaries, causing hardship for ordinary citizens.
Political Undercurrents and Impeachment Threats
Beyond the financial constraints, the crisis has fueled political tensions, with allegations of a plot to impeach Governor Fubara. Inko-Tariah claimed that efforts to frustrate the governor, including the blockade of the State Assembly during a budget presentation, were orchestrated to create grounds for his removal.
“If they succeed, it will entrench godfatherism in Rivers State, which is exactly what Fubara is fighting against,” he said, recalling how Wike had once urged former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to resist similar political pressures.
He warned that continued political interference could provoke mass resistance. “The people of Rivers will not sit back and watch their democracy be undermined. If this crisis is not resolved amicably, the consequences will not only consume Rivers State but could affect the entire nation.”
Call for Presidential Intervention
Inko-Tariah called on President Bola Tinubu to take a stand, urging him to ensure justice prevails. He emphasized that Rivers State, as a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil revenue, deserves its fair share of federal allocations.
“You cannot deny us our allocation while using the proceeds from our resources to fund other states,” he said, adding that political leaders must act responsibly to prevent the crisis from escalating.
As tensions mount, all eyes remain on the Federal Government and the judiciary to see if a resolution can be reached before the situation spirals out of control.
