Ibok-Ete Confirms Release of Rivers Allocation by Tinubu
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has confirmed the release of previously withheld local government allocations.
This announcement came during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Ibas, a retired Vice Admiral and former Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized that this development marked a turning point in efforts to address financial instability in the region.
The release of these funds is seen as a critical step toward alleviating the economic pressures faced by local government workers and restoring administrative functionality across Rivers State.
The withheld allocations had been a point of contention, exacerbating delays in salary payments for local government employees, some of whom were owed up to two months’ wages.
During the meeting, Ibas expressed deep empathy for the affected workers, stating, “I feel the pain of the workers,” and assured them that his administration would prioritize the prompt disbursement of salaries.
He directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, supported by relevant documentation, through the office of the Head of Service to ensure transparency and efficiency in the payment process.
This move underscores his commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the workforce while laying the groundwork for long-term financial accountability.
Ibas also used the opportunity to address broader economic challenges in the Niger Delta, lamenting the paradox of persistent hardship despite the region’s abundant natural resources which he described as “unacceptable,”.
He described the meeting as a “pivotal moment” in the collective effort to restore stability and progress in Rivers State, a region that has been plagued by political tensions and economic difficulties.
His remarks reflect a determination to tackle systemic issues that have hindered development, positioning the release of funds as part of a larger strategy to rebuild trust and foster unity.
In response, Clifford Paul, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, praised the Federal Government’s decision to appoint Ibas, citing his competence and leadership ability.
Paul acknowledged the developmental strides made in the state despite ongoing political conflicts and expressed optimism about the release of the allocations. He noted that while workers remained hopeful, the government must prioritize their welfare moving forward.
Paul pledged NULGE’s support for initiatives aimed at maintaining peace and stability, urging all stakeholders to seize this opportunity to strengthen the state’s administrative and economic framework.
The confirmation of the released allocations follows a period of uncertainty, during which the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, intervened in Rivers State’s governance.
Tinubu had appointed Ibas as Sole Administrator after suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid escalating political unrest, a decision that included the release of withheld funds to stabilize the state.
With Rivers State projected to receive over N400 billion in revenue within six months, including N279.5 billion from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), Ibas now faces the challenge of managing these resources effectively.
His administration’s success will likely depend on its ability to balance immediate relief efforts with sustainable reforms, setting the stage for a more stable and prosperous Rivers State.
