“Rivers APC Speaks Out: Condemnation of Lawsuit Challenging Local Government Allocations”

Babatunji Wusu –

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has condemned the lawsuit filed by party chieftain Tony Okocha, which seeks to halt funds allocation to local government councils. This condemnation was articulated in a statement by the party’s spokesman, Darlington Nwauju.

Nwauju emphasized that Okocha and his caretaker committee had been dismissed yet continue to operate in defiance of an existing court ruling. He accused Okocha of undermining the state and obstructing local councils by denying them access to essential funds.

The criticism follows a press briefing in which Okocha acknowledged his legal action aimed at stopping council fund allocations, citing what he called a flawed process.

The statement reads, “We have closely examined the recent developments in our state, particularly regarding the local government system, and recognize that inaction will only weaken the remaining democratic structures.”

Nwauju expressed shock at Okocha’s continued disregard for a valid court judgment that dismissed him and his faction. He stated, “It is disgraceful that Okocha and his associates refuse to acknowledge the High Court’s decision, which nullified their alleged appointment by the National Working Committee (NWC) after a lengthy legal battle. They have brazenly sought to obtain a judgment from a court of equal jurisdiction in Abuja to prevent allocations to local governments in Rivers State, thereby jeopardizing the livelihoods of countless citizens, particularly council workers who rely on these funds for their survival.”