Rivers Sole Administrator Confirms Release of Withheld Funds, Directs LGAs To Submit Their Wage Bills To His Office

This decision follows a crisis in the state that led the Supreme Court to temporarily withhold state allocations until the State House Assembly appropriately appropriated the funds for use.

While addressing State House correspondents at the presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stated that the funds could be released upon request from the sole administrator.

When asked if the Federal Government would release the allocation from the federation account to the state, the minister said, “If the administrator requests it, I believe it should be released to him. Given the extraordinary circumstances, it is appropriate to facilitate this fund’s release.”

During a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt on Friday, Ibas confirmed that the funds had indeed been released.

He stated that necessary actions would be taken to ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries and expressed concern over the delays in salary disbursements across local government areas, recognising the difficulties faced by affected employees.

“I sincerely empathise with these workers, many of whom have endured months of financial hardship. I assure you that the withheld allocations have now been released, and I am issuing a directive for all necessary steps to be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid without further delay.

“As leaders, we must understand the struggles of our people and offer them a positive, inclusive, and transformative leadership. This is the mandate I have accepted, and it is the standard I expect from all of you.

“To this end, I further direct that all Local Government Areas submit their wage bills to my office through the Head of Service. This will allow me to better understand the situation and address it effectively. All submissions must be accompanied by relevant documents to ensure clarity and accuracy.”

Ibas, who emphasised the importance of financial accountability, instructed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, supported by appropriate documentation through the office of the Head of Service.

He stated that good governance is not merely a slogan; it is a commitment to changing the negative narrative within the next six months.

“You must take the lead in ensuring security within your jurisdictions,” he urged local government administrators.

In response, Clifford Paul, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, acknowledged the developmental progress made in the state despite political conflicts.

He praised the Federal Government for appointing the sole administrator, attributing this decision to his competence and leadership skills.

He committed to supporting peace and stability while urging the administrator to prioritise the welfare of workers.