I’ve Custody Of Rivers State Funds – Sole Administrator Ibas

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), on Friday confirmed that the withheld local government allocations in the State have been released to him.

Addressing a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, Vice Admiral Ibas said the funds are in his custody for the effective administration of the Oil-rich state.

Ibas, who acknowledged the pains and worries of workers in the State, said necessary steps would be taken to promptly pay monthly salaries, even as he also expressed concern over the delay in the payments of salaries across all local government areas.

He said; “I feel the pain of the workers”, assuring that with the release of withheld allocations his administration would ensure salaries are paid without further delay.

While warning that financial accountability would be strictly enforced, he directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, supported by relevant documentation, through the office of the Head of Service.

However, he warned that the administration would not condone financial recklessness, promising to scrutinise the handling of public funds and readiness to sanction acts of mismanagement by erring officials.

According to him, good governance is not just a slogan but a commitment to changing the negative narrative within the next six months, adding; “You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains”.

Further urging local government administrators to embrace transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, Vice Admiral said errant behaviour would not be tolerated within the system.

In his response, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Clifford Paul, acknowledged the developmental strides made in the State despite political conflicts.

Paul lauded the Federal Government for appointing Ibas as the Sole Administrator, noting that the decision was based on his competence and leadership ability demonstrated in serving the nation over the years.

Pleading with the administrator to prioritise workers’ welfare, the NULGE President pledged that workers were all for to peace and stability of Rivers State

Recalled that arising the political crisis in the Oil-rich state, the Supreme Court had decided the State allocation be withheld by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) until the State House Assembly properly appropriates the funds for deployment by the State government.

However, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday, explained that the funds could be released if the Sole Administrator requests it.

The Minister had said; “If the administrator requests it, I will say it should be released to him. 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.”