ALGON accuses Fubara of withholding LG funds, backs impeachment call

The Rivers State chapter of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON) has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of withholding funds meant for the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The association said this has denied the third tier of government of its ability to function effectively.

The LG chairmen said the action of the Governor is tantamount to prescribing local government councils in the state, even as they backed the call by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Tony Okocha, for the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor.

The State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, stated this at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Ihunda stated, “It has come to the notice of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter that the Rivers State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has neglected, failed and deliberately refused to hold the statutory Joint Account Allocation Committee Meeting which is the prerequisite for the release and disbursement of funds due to the local government in the State Joint Local Government Accounts.

“And has continued to withhold the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government councils of Rivers State since the month of April, 2024.

“And in the case of Emuoha LGA since March, 2024 till date for no just course, thereby starving the third tier of government of the funds required to discharge it’s statutory functions in the administration of the local government areas. “