By Milcah Tanimu

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Rivers State has firmly rejected the emoluments and allowances offered by the recently appointed Caretaker Committees by Governor Siminialayi Fubara. Labeling the Caretaker Committees as “usurpers,” ALGON has urged its supporters to remain calm amidst the controversy.

In a statement issued by Sir Allwell Ihunda, ALGON expressed discontent with Governor Fubara’s decision to appoint and swear in Caretaker Committees to manage the 23 Local Government Councils of Rivers State. The governor had directed a probe into Local Government Accounts and the immediate payment of outstanding emoluments and allowances to democratically elected local government officials.

ALGON categorically rejected the planned payment of their emoluments and allowances by the Caretaker Committees. They argued that these committees are unconstitutional, unlawful, and unknown to the Rivers State Local Government Law. Furthermore, they pointed out that the tenure of the elected Local Government Chairmen is currently a subject of litigation, making any such payments subjudice.

ALGON emphasized that they would not accept the payments until the courts have resolved the legal issues between them and the governor. They found it curious that the governor, who has been withholding Local Government funds and emoluments, is now appointing Caretaker Committees to release these funds and make payments.

They accused Governor Fubara of allowing personal political interests to influence his official conduct, thereby undermining the democratic process. ALGON highlighted the governor’s oath to uphold the law and protect the Constitution, criticizing his actions as detrimental to the democratic system of Local Government.

While ALGON welcomed the governor’s call for a probe into Local Government Accounts, they stressed that this would provide an opportunity for elected council chairmen to account for their financial dealings and for the governor to explain his involvement in withholding Local Government funds.

ALGON also called on the banks managing the accounts of the 23 Local Government Councils to respect the court process and refrain from engaging with the Caretaker Committees, which they described as unconstitutional and illegal under the Local Government Laws of Rivers State.