A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Wahab Shittu, has stated that the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has no right under the law to withhold the State’s Local Government funds.
Recall that last week, the State Chapter of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria, ALGON, had accused Fubara of withholding funds meant for the 23 LGs in the State.
The state ALGON stated that the governor’s action had denied members of their functions in the administration of their Council Areas.
The ALGON pointed that the Governor’s action was tantamount to proscribing Local Government Councils in the State.
However, reacting to the allegation by the body, Shittu said the Rivers State Governor’s action contravened the country’s laws.
Shittu made the disclosure on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He said, “I can say for free that Governor Fubara of Rivers State has no constitutional powers to withhold Local Government funds.
“The Local Government tier of government is recognized by Section 7 of the Constitution,” he said.
Shittu added that the Constitution acknowledged the framework of democratically elected Local Government Councils. He added that the Constitution mandates that each State must enact a corresponding law.
“The Constitution recognizes the system of democratically elected Local Government Council Areas. And mandates that each State provides a corresponding law.
“In the case of Lagos State, we have the Local Government Administration Law. Which regulates the establishment, structure, finances, and other related aspects.
“So, clearly, Governor Fubara has no right under the law to withhold Local Government funds of Ahoada Local Government. Or any other Local Government,” he concluded.
Recall that the Rivers State Governor Siminalaya Fubara has been having running political battle with his erstwhile godfather, Nyensom Wike.
All peace moves including that of President Tinubu have made no impact at resolving the crisis.
source: Punch
