Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retd), the appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has announced the release of previously withheld local government allocations, averaging ₦14.3 billion monthly.
The allocations had been suspended following a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which annulled the local government council elections held on October 5, 2024. The court's decision led to the withholding of funds pending the resolution of administrative and legal challenges.
Following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months due to ongoing political crises. Subsequently, Vice-Admiral Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state's affairs during this period.
In a meeting held in Port Harcourt with Heads of Local Government Administration and representatives of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ibas confirmed the release of the withheld funds. He emphasized the importance of promptly addressing the financial needs of local government employees, many of whom had faced hardships due to delayed salaries.
"I sincerely feel the pain of these workers, many of whom have endured months of financial strain," Ibas stated. "Let me assure you that the withheld allocations have now been released, and I hereby issue a directive that all necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid with no further delay."
Ibas also highlighted his commitment to financial transparency and accountability within the local government system. He announced plans to implement measures that would ensure effective monitoring of public funds, adherence to due process, and a zero-tolerance policy for financial recklessness across all local government areas.
Clifford Paul, President of NULGE in Rivers State and Head of Local Government Administration for Port Harcourt, expressed gratitude for the prompt action taken by the Sole Administrator. He acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by local government workers due to the delayed allocations and welcomed the assurance of immediate salary payments.
The decision to release the allocations to the Sole Administrator has sparked political debates. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized the federal government's action, stating that it undermines the authority of the Supreme Court, which had barred the release of funds until a duly constituted House of Assembly passed a valid Appropriation Act. Obi emphasized the importance of upholding judicial rulings to maintain the rule of law and democratic principles.