A coalition of opposition lawmakers has raised alarms about an attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a pro-Wike group to stop the monthly funding for local governments in Rivers State. Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who represents the Ideato South/North Federal Constituency in Imo State, made this announcement on Tuesday.

According to Ugochinyere, they have credible evidence that the APC and the pro-Wike group are seeking a court order to block these local government allocations. He stated, “The APC and pro-Wike group are trying to file a lawsuit at the Federal High Court to seize the local government funds, even though no court has declared the elections of the local government chairpersons invalid.”

This isn’t the first attempt to disrupt local government funding. Ugochinyere noted that the Wike group has previously tried to challenge local government allocations. He pointed out that the recent local government elections in Rivers State were held in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, and the pro-Wike faction appears dissatisfied with the results.

Reports indicate that some pro-Wike supporters believe they can quickly obtain court decisions that will favor their cause. Ugochinyere stressed that local government funding is a legal and constitutional right that cannot be taken away, especially when valid leadership is in place.

He urged the Minister of the FCT’s camp to accept the recent election results and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene. He expressed concerns that allowing this situation to escalate could lead to chaos and damage democracy in the state.

In conclusion, Ugochinyere emphasized that the people of Rivers State will resist any attempts to undermine their elected local government leaders. He also urged the judiciary to avoid granting frivolous requests that could harm its reputation.