Attorney General Fagbemi Defends Decision to Release Blocked Allocation to Rivers State Sole Administrator

 Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has defended the federal government’s decision to unblock and release the withheld monthly allocation meant for Rivers State, following the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Fagbemi, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, explained that the federal government acted within the law by allowing the funds to be accessed by the newly appointed Rivers State administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd.). He argued that the move was necessary to ensure the continued functioning of government institutions and the delivery of essential services to the people of Rivers State.

“The release of the blocked allocation is in line with our constitutional duty to ensure that governance is not paralyzed due to political disputes,” Fagbemi stated. “Regardless of the ongoing issues in Rivers State, the federal government cannot allow the people to suffer due to financial constraints caused by political infighting.”

The decision to release the funds has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the federal government’s stance believe that the action is necessary to prevent a financial crisis in the state, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. However, critics—including opposition political figures and legal experts—argue that the move legitimizes what they describe as an unconstitutional takeover of Rivers State’s government.

Opposition groups, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insist that the rightful authority over state funds lies with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was duly elected by the people. They argue that directing funds to an appointed administrator undermines democratic governance and violates the principle of fiscal federalism.

Legal analysts have also weighed in, debating whether the federal government’s decision aligns with constitutional provisions on revenue allocation and state autonomy. Some experts warn that if the precedent is allowed to stand, it could set a dangerous example for future political interventions in state finances.

With tensions still high in Rivers State, it remains to be seen how Governor Fubara and his supporters will respond to this latest development. Meanwhile, the Attorney General maintains that the federal government’s actions are lawful and aimed at preserving stability in the state.