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.
