In a significant update for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), the newly appointed Sole Administrator, has confirmed that the withheld local government allocations have finally been released. The announcement came during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt on March 21, 2025, just days after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu. As of March 22, 2025, this development marks a pivotal moment in addressing the financial struggles of local government workers and restoring stability in the oil-rich state amidst a contentious political crisis.
Background of the Funding Crisis
The release of these funds follows a tumultuous period in Rivers State, characterized by a prolonged political standoff between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and factions loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The crisis escalated earlier in March 2025 when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly. This drastic measure, enacted under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, led to Ibas’s appointment as Sole Administrator for a six-month term.
The withheld allocations trace back to a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which upheld a federal high court decision barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing statutory monthly funds to Rivers State. The court’s decision stemmed from Fubara’s failure to resubmit the 2024 appropriation bill to the Martins Amaewhule-led assembly, a move that effectively paralyzed the state’s financial operations. The federal government’s subsequent decision to release the funds to Ibas signals a shift in approach under the emergency administration.
Ibas’s Confirmation and Promises
Speaking at the Port Harcourt meeting, Ibas described the release of the withheld allocations as a critical step toward stabilizing Rivers State. “The withheld local government allocations have been released,” he affirmed, addressing an audience of local government administrators. He expressed deep concern over the delays in salary payments that had left workers struggling, stating, “I feel the pain of the workers.” The Sole Administrator assured attendees that his administration would prioritize the prompt payment of salaries, a commitment aimed at alleviating the economic hardship faced by public servants across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized the need for accountability in managing these funds. He directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, accompanied by supporting documentation, through the office of the Head of Service. “Financial accountability will be strictly enforced,” he warned, underscoring his intent to scrutinize public fund usage and curb any potential mismanagement during his tenure. This directive aligns with his broader mission to restore transparency and efficiency in governance.
Economic Hardship in the Niger Delta
Beyond the immediate financial relief, Ibas highlighted a deeper issue plaguing Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region. “It is unacceptable that the people of the Niger Delta continue to suffer economic hardship despite the region’s wealth of natural resources, particularly crude oil,” he lamented. Rivers State, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s oil economy, has long grappled with a paradox of resource abundance juxtaposed against widespread poverty and underdevelopment. Ibas’s remarks reflect a determination to address this disparity, positioning the release of funds as a starting point for broader economic transformation.
The Sole Administrator’s focus on economic recovery resonates with local sentiments. Posts on X have echoed frustration over the region’s struggles, with some users applauding Ibas’s swift action while others remain skeptical of the federal government’s motives in the emergency rule.
Political and Legal Context
The release of the funds comes less than 24 hours after Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi indicated that the Tinubu administration was prepared to disburse the allocations upon Ibas’s request. This rapid turnaround has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters view it as evidence of the federal government’s commitment to stabilizing Rivers State, while critics, including legal luminaries and opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, argue that the emergency declaration and suspension of elected officials undermine democracy.
The National Assembly’s controversial approval of the state of emergency on March 19, 2025—via voice votes in both the Senate and House of Representatives—has further fueled debate. Figures like Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have blasted the legislature for acting as a “rubber stamp,” amplifying concerns about constitutional overreach. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), led by President Clifford Paul, has praised Ibas’s appointment and the fund release, urging him to prioritize workers’ welfare as two months of salaries remain outstanding.
Implications for Stability and Governance
Ibas’s confirmation of the fund release is more than a financial update—it’s a signal of his administration’s intent to restore order and functionality in Rivers State. Upon assuming office on March 20, he vowed to collaborate with security agencies and traditional rulers to ensure stability, a promise he reiterated during the meeting. “You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he told the local government administrators, emphasizing grassroots responsibility.
The move also carries weight for Nigeria’s federal structure. The swift disbursement of funds to an appointed administrator rather than an elected government raises questions about the balance of power between state and federal authorities. For Rivers residents, however, the immediate concern is tangible relief—salary payments, improved services, and a reprieve from the political chaos that has gripped the state.
Looking Ahead
As Ibas settles into his six-month tenure, the release of withheld funds marks an early win, but challenges abound. Ensuring transparency in fund allocation, addressing security threats, and navigating the political fallout of the emergency rule will test his leadership. The accelerated payment of workers’ salaries, expected in the coming weeks, will be a key indicator of his administration’s effectiveness.
For those tracking Rivers State news, Nigeria’s political crisis, or updates on local government funding, this development is a critical juncture. Whether Ibas can transform this financial lifeline into lasting stability remains to be seen, but for now, his confirmation of the released funds offers a glimmer of hope amid a turbulent chapter in Rivers State’s history.
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