The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has thrown its support behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a crucial intervention to prevent the ongoing political crisis from spiraling into widespread unrest.
Speaking after an emergency meeting of ALGON’s National Executive and Board of Trustees in Abuja on Thursday, the BoT Chairman, Odunayo Ategbero, emphasized that the President’s swift action had helped ease tensions in the state.
“As key stakeholders in local governance, we are deeply concerned about the situation in Rivers State because, ultimately, it affects ordinary citizens,” Ategbero stated. “It is often said that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. If the crisis had escalated further, the consequences could have been disastrous, possibly even leading to civil unrest.”
He clarified that the declaration was not an attempt to oust elected officials but rather a temporary measure to create space for dialogue and reconciliation.
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“The President has not removed the governor or the legislature; he has only suspended them for six months. This period should allow all parties involved to resolve their differences in the best interest of the people of Rivers State,” he explained.
Ategbero also provided an update on the implementation of the Supreme Court’s July 11 ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments. He acknowledged that the committee set up by the President to oversee the process had faced intense pressure to delay its implementation due to vested interests.
“Despite these pressures, the committee has remained steadfast and committed to its duty,” he noted. “To ensure a seamless transfer of funds for education and other development projects, local governments nationwide have been directed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).”
According to Ategbero, this move will ensure direct funding to local governments, enabling them to execute essential projects without bureaucratic interference.
“We must commend the committee for their resilience. Had they succumbed to external pressure, this significant progress would not have been possible,” he said.