In light of the court’s ruling, Tonye Cole, co-founder of the Sahara Group, outlined two primary options available to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Cole suggested that the governor could pursue a resolution to the ongoing conflict, though he acknowledged that this would be a challenging path given the entrenched political and legal complexities.
During an interview on Lunchtime Politics on Channels Television, Cole cautioned that without an immediate solution, Rivers State could be drawn into prolonged legal battles, which could obstruct vital development projects and delay other initiatives critical for the state’s progress.
Alternatively, Cole proposed that the state could begin building an economy less reliant on federal allocations, an approach that, while challenging, could provide a degree of economic independence. He highlighted the potential of harnessing local resources to create a self-sustaining economic framework, one capable of supporting Rivers State even in the absence of federal funds. However, such a strategy would require significant planning and investment, as well as a strong commitment from the state government to explore new revenue streams and bolster internal economic activities.
The court’s decision has arrived at a time of heightened political tension within Rivers State, where Governor Fubara faces ongoing challenges from key figures in the state’s legislative body. These tensions have grown over the past months, with disagreements over budget allocations and control of local government funds emerging as key points of contention. This environment of political friction has complicated the governance landscape, adding further difficulties for Fubara in navigating through the state’s financial and political crises.
Governor Fubara now finds himself in a difficult position, as he must balance efforts to address the financial impasse with maintaining stability within the state. The withdrawal of federal allocations places added pressure on his administration, which now faces the risk of stalled projects and diminished public services if new revenue sources are not quickly established. Fubara’s approach to this financial crisis will be critical, as he seeks to steer Rivers State through this challenging period while managing the political disputes that have come to define the state’s leadership landscape.
As Rivers State grapples with the impact of the court’s ruling, the situation has sparked broader discussions about financial autonomy and sustainable development. The challenges facing Rivers State underscore the need for innovative governance approaches that prioritize local economic resilience and reduce reliance on federal support. While the path forward remains uncertain, the situation has prompted calls for long-term solutions to ensure that the state can thrive economically, even amid political and legal hurdles.
He said, “One, is to seek if there’s any resolution to this whole brouhaha. I think that’s a difficult road to take, but it’s one that has to be considered. We’re going to do without the allocations and…look inwards and create an economy that can sustain the state from the inside. It’s difficult, but it’s possible. Unfortunately in all these, you are going to see any kind of development in Rivers State as long as this continues. We’re going to do without the allocations and look inwards and create an economy that can sustain the state from the inside. It’s difficult, but it’s possible.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
