Rivers State Crisis Deepens as PANDYEF Vow to Resist Supreme Court Ruling

The Pan Niger Delta Youths (PANDYEF) has strongly condemned the recent Supreme Court judgment that upheld the Amaewhule-led Rivers State faction and ordered the seizure of the state’s Federation Account allocation. The judgment, which follows a controversial defection of elected representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), has sparked outrage among the youth group, who decry it as an act of economic sabotage and a threat to peace in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement signed by the group’s spokesman, Chika Art Adiele, PANDYEF expressed deep concern over the implications of the ruling, which they claim could destabilize the region and undo the progress made under Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration. The statement emphasized that the ruling could undermine the peace and development the Governor has worked tirelessly to promote in Rivers State.

“The attention of the Pan Niger Delta Youths, under the leadership of Comrade Maobu Nangi Obu, has been drawn to the shocking verdict by the Supreme Court of Nigeria ordering the seizure of Rivers State allocation. This verdict is nothing short of economic sabotage against Rivers people,” the statement read.

PANDYEF also criticized what it described as “infantile antics” by anti-democratic forces aiming to destabilize the state by targeting the Governor’s administration. The group condemned the judgment, describing it as an infringement on constitutional rights and an unfair attack on the state’s democratic process.

“It is an invitation for war and against equity, justice, and fair play. We firmly condemn this judgment as it is against the tenets of the Constitution of Nigeria,” the statement continued. “We equally condemn the order nullifying the Local Government Election, as reckless and vindictive.”

PANDYEF called for resistance against what it sees as political manipulation and vowed to oppose any attempt to usurp the will of the people through judicial fiat.

The group warned that the youth of the Niger Delta will not stand idly by in the face of what they perceive as a direct attack on their rights and their democratic choice.

“We cannot be cowed, nor shall we surrender at the altar of political manipulations of rascals. We reiterate boldly, once again, that anyone, no matter how highly placed, will face fierce resistance by the majority of Rivers people.” the statement concluded.