Saturday, March 22, 2025 - The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has confirmed the release of withheld local government allocations, assuring that workers' salaries will be paid without further delay.
The funds had been withheld following the crisis in the state, with the
Supreme Court ruling that allocations would remain frozen until the State House
of Assembly properly appropriated them.
However, on Wednesday, March 19, the Attorney-General of the Federation
and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stated that the funds could be
released upon request by the sole administrator.
“If the administrator requests it, I will say it should be released to
him,” Fagbemi said while addressing State House correspondents at the
Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“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,” he added.
Confirming the release of the funds during a meeting with Heads of Local
Government Administrators in Port Harcourt on Friday, Ibas assured that
necessary steps were being taken to promptly settle salary arrears.
“I sincerely feel the pain of these workers, many of whom have endured
months of financial strain. Let me assure you 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,”
he said.
He stressed the need for leadership that is inclusive and
transformative.
“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.”
Ibas also directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills
through the office of the Head of Service to facilitate transparency and
accountability.
“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 the importance of accountability, he warned that financial
transparency would be strictly enforced across the local government councils.
Ibas also urged local government administrators to play an active role in
maintaining security in their respective domains.
“You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he
said.
In response, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government
Employees and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Clifford
Paul, commended the administrator’s efforts despite political conflicts in the
state.
He expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s decision to
appoint a sole administrator, describing Ibas as a competent leader. He further
pledged support for peace and stability while urging the administrator to
prioritize the welfare of local government workers.
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