PANDEF asked the Supreme Court to change its mind about Rivers State right away. Their National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, talked with Channels Television about his concerns. He stressed that Rivers State cannot run properly without money from the federal government. The Supreme Court had ordered the Central Bank to stop sending monthly funds to Rivers State.
The court also said Governor Fubara made a mistake by working with just a few lawmakers. It told the 27 legislators led by Martin Amaewhule to go back to work at the Assembly. Governor Fubara has already said he plans to follow the court's decision. According to Igali, many people were shocked by the judgment.
States need federal money to pay for basic services that help regular people. Igali pointed out that courts rarely block money from reaching states because it hurts everyday citizens. When funds stop flowing, hospitals run out of medicine and cannot help sick people. Schools shut down, trash piles up, and babies miss needed care.
The situation might lead to protests if people cannot access basic services. PANDEF wants the Supreme Court to think again about this part of their decision. Igali mentioned that even the highest court has changed its mind before when decisions hurt lots of people. He hopes they'll reconsider because the current ruling punishes everyone in Rivers State.
The court also said Governor Fubara made a mistake by working with just a few lawmakers. It told the 27 legislators led by Martin Amaewhule to go back to work at the Assembly. Governor Fubara has already said he plans to follow the court's decision. According to Igali, many people were shocked by the judgment.
States need federal money to pay for basic services that help regular people. Igali pointed out that courts rarely block money from reaching states because it hurts everyday citizens. When funds stop flowing, hospitals run out of medicine and cannot help sick people. Schools shut down, trash piles up, and babies miss needed care.
The situation might lead to protests if people cannot access basic services. PANDEF wants the Supreme Court to think again about this part of their decision. Igali mentioned that even the highest court has changed its mind before when decisions hurt lots of people. He hopes they'll reconsider because the current ruling punishes everyone in Rivers State.
