By Gwurld4026 
Funds Released by Rivers Sole Administrator: Impact on Fubara’s Governance
Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has confirmed the release of previously withheld local government allocations. This development was announced during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt on Friday, March 21, 2025.
The funds had been frozen following a Supreme Court ruling that mandated the suspension of allocations until the Rivers State House of Assembly properly appropriated them. However, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, indicated that the funds could be released upon request by the sole administrator. He stated, “If the administrator requests it, I will say it should be released to him.”
Upon receiving the allocations, Ibas assured that necessary steps would be taken to ensure the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, acknowledging the hardships faced by the affected employees. He emphasized the importance of financial accountability and directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, supported by relevant documentation, through the office of the Head of Service.
The Sole Administrator also highlighted the need for collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies to ensure the safety of residents, urging local government administrators to take the lead in maintaining security within their domains.
Clifford Paul, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, commended the Federal Government for appointing Ibas as the Sole Administrator, attributing the decision to his competence and leadership abilities. He appealed to Ibas to prioritize workers’ welfare, noting that local government workers were owed two months’ salaries.