The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has confirmed the release of withheld local government allocations, allowing for the payment of outstanding salaries.

The Supreme Court had initially withheld the allocations due to the state’s political crisis, pending proper appropriation by the State House of Assembly. However, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, announced on Wednesday that the funds could be disbursed if requested by the sole administrator.

“If the administrator requests it, I will say it should be released to him. And to me, it will be in order because the extraordinary situation has brought them out of the normal situation of things,” Fagbemi stated while addressing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

During a meeting with local government administrators in Port Harcourt on Friday, Ibas confirmed that the funds had been received and directed immediate action to clear 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 necessary steps be taken to ensure salaries are paid without further delay,” he said.

He also emphasized financial accountability, instructing all local governments to submit their wage bills and relevant documentation through the Head of Service’s office.

“Good governance is not just a slogan but a commitment to changing the negative narrative within the next six months. You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” Ibas urged the administrators.

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