Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wahab Shittu has stated that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara lacks constitutional authority to withhold funds allocated to the state’s local governments. This statement comes in response to allegations by the state chapter of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria, accusing Governor Fubara of withholding funds meant for the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in Rivers State.
The association expressed frustration, noting that the governor’s actions have hindered the LGAs from performing their administrative duties.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Shittu emphasized that Governor Fubara’s actions are unconstitutional. “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 stated.
Shittu explained that the constitution mandates a system of democratically elected local government councils and requires each state to enact corresponding laws to regulate these councils. “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,” he added.
In conclusion, Shittu affirmed, “Governor Fubara has no right under the law to withhold local government funds of Ahoada Local Government or any other local government.”