PRESS RELEASE
National Rescue Mission Rivers chapter, condemns the decision by the previous administration in Emohua Local Government Area to mortgage the finances of the entire local government through an irrevocable standing payment order totaling over ₦6 billion. This action, which mandates a monthly deduction of over ₦200 million directly from the local government’s allocation at source, is a gross misplacement of priorities and a serious threat to the financial health and operational lifespan of the local government.
This form of financial commitment is not only unsustainable but also undermines the capacity of the local government to meet its fundamental responsibilities—including development, security, and public welfare. The scale and duration of the debt burden effectively cripple the local government’s ability to function and respond to the urgent needs of its people.
We view this action as reckless and highly condemnable. It reflects a blatant disregard for the socio-economic realities facing the people, many of whom are battling poverty, hunger, and insecurity. Prioritizing such massive debt over the immediate needs of citizens is not only insensitive but amounts to economic sabotage.
We are therefore call on the Sole Administrator of River State to urgently intervene and explore legal and financial remedies to free the local government from this debilitating arrangement. We also urge anti-corruption agencies and financial regulatory bodies to immediately launch a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding this transaction.
Furthermore, we call on all other local governments across the state to learn from this misstep and avoid entering into similar enslaving financial commitments that jeopardize governance and public service delivery.
The people of Emohua deserve better. We demand accountability, transparency, and urgent action to restore the integrity and capacity of local governance.
Dapasisi Oyibo
Chairman
National Rescue Mission
Rivers State chapter.
