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Amaechi, Aliyu Seek Revenue Formula Review
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says an equitable, fair and just revenue sharing formula is germane to development in the country.
The governor made the assertion when some federal commissioners in the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission(RMAFC) led by Chief Nimi Dambo Kalabo paid him a courtesy visit yesterday in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Speaking through his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, the Rivers State governor stressed that, “ the issue of revenue mobilization and allocation is core to the heart of the workings of government,’’ pointing out that it was high time a new revenue formula was worked out in the country.
Amaechi insisted that the present revenue allocation sharing formula where the producer gets less than others was unfair and undemocratic, emphasizing that it was an anomaly for the Federal Government to pay less to those who generate more.
Besides, he called for an improved allocation to the local government councils, saying,” if you say the local government areas are development centres, then more funds should be apportioned to them’’, while calling for an equitable sharing principle.
He assured that his administration would continue to partner with the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in its sensitization drive on the new revenue formula for states of the federation.
Speaking earlier, the Federal Commissioner and the team leader, Chief Nimi Dambo-Kalabo, noted that the aim of the visit was to have an interactive session with the three arms of the government on the new revenue sharing formula with a view to ensuring that it is just and equitable, adding that “it would be in the interest of the state to bring in what should be done and not what the commission thinks it should be”.
He assured that when once the views of stakeholders were taken, a new and equitable revenue sharing would emerge, as he hinted of plans by the commission to conduct zonal workshops and fora across the country.
The federal commissioner commended the state government for the transformation and development of what he called the ‘’new garden city’’, further expressing appreciation for the hospitality they have received since their arrival.
Meanwhile, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has urged the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), to reduce Federal Government’s share of federation account to 40 per cent.
Aliyu made the call in Minna yesterday when he received members of RMAFC who paid him a visit.
The governor said that under the current horizontal sharing formula, equality accounts for 40 per cent; population, 30 per cent; land mass 10 per cent; social factor, 10 per cent and revenue effort accounting for another 10 per cent.
He said under the proposed vertical sharing formula, 40 per cent of the fund should be shared based on equality of states; population, 30 per cent and land mass, another 30 per cent.
“Recent development in our national fiscal framework has introduced some factors into the dynamics of revenue sharing among the beneficiary levels of government in the country.
“These factors, unfortunately, are not so much in tandem with the desired revenue sharing objectives of the ideal federalism we are striving for’’, he said.
Aliyu said credible revenue sharing arrangement in a true federalism must be guided by the objectives of national integration, survival, justice, equity and efficient resource allocation.
The governor called for an interactive session with the government and federal law makers from the state to enable them to have first hand information on the proposed review.
This, he said, would put the state at a vantage position during debate.
He enjoined the media to educate Nigerians on why the proposed sharing formula should favour the states and local governments.
Aliyu said this is because they were closer to the people and for the much needed development at the grassroots.
Amb. Zubairu Dada who led the delegation, said they were in Minna to receive the input of the State Government and stakeholders on the proposed review of revenue allocation formula.
Dada, a Federal Commissioner with the RMAFC, said the visit would enable them to come up with acceptable formula that would guarantee a more peaceful and greater nation.
Our correspondent reports that based on the current vertical sharing formula, the federal government receives 52.68 per cent as against the states’ 26.72 percent from the federation account.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene