The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has confirmed the release of local government allocations that had been withheld due to the state’s political crisis.
Following the crisis, the Supreme Court had placed a hold on the state’s allocation until the Rivers State House of Assembly properly appropriated the funds for use.
However, during a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stated that the funds could be released if requested by the sole administrator.
Answering questions about whether the Federal Government would authorize the release of the state’s allocation, Fagbemi said, “If the administrator requests it, I will say it should be released to him. And to me, it will be in order for the release of that fund because the event of the extraordinary situation has brought them out of the normal situation of things.”
On Friday, during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, Ibas confirmed that the withheld funds had now been released.
He assured that necessary steps would be taken to promptly pay workers’ salaries and acknowledged the hardships faced by affected employees.
“I sincerely feel the pain of these workers, many of whom have endured months of financial strain. Let me assure that the withheld allocations have now been released, and I hereby issue a directive that all the necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid with no further delay.
“As leaders, we must feel the pains of our people and offer them a more positive, inclusive, and transformative leadership. This is the mandate I have accepted, and it is the standard I expect from all of you.”
“To this end, I hereby direct further that all Local Government Areas furnish my office with wage bills by way of briefing through the office of the Head of Service.”
“This will enable me to acquaint myself with the situation, as this will enable me to deal with such matters. All such submissions should be supported with relevant documents to provide clarity and ensure accuracy.”
Emphasizing financial accountability, Ibas instructed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, along with the necessary supporting documentation, to the Head of Service’s office.
He reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, stating, “Good governance is not just a slogan but a commitment to changing the negative narrative within the next six months.”
Urging local government administrators to take responsibility for security in their areas, he said, “You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains.”
In response, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Clifford Paul, commended the Federal Government for appointing Ibas, attributing the decision to his competence and leadership skills.
Paul acknowledged the state’s developmental progress despite political challenges and pledged his support for peace and stability.
He also urged the administrator to prioritize workers’ welfare.
