The Situation In Rivers Rendered Government Operations Nearly Impossible – Magus Abe

Former Social Democratic Party (SDP), Magnus Abe has applauded President Bola Tinubu over his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Abe argued that the situation in Rivers had made it impossible for government operations to run successfully.

He shared his thoughts while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme on Friday.

His statement comes after House of Representatives approval of Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers amid stiff opposition from many Nigerians.

Reacting to the development, Abe said: “In a democratic state like Nigeria, various types of emergencies can arise. According to our laws, appropriation is the responsibility of elected representatives, and without it, disbursement is impossible.

“The situation in Rivers had reached a stalemate, rendering government operations nearly impossible.”

Meanwhile, the federal government has released the withheld local government allocations to the sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas.

This was confirmed by Ibas on Friday during a meting with Heads of Local Government Administrations in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

He also assured that necessary steps have been put in motion to ensure the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

The sole administrator lamented that the prevailing economic hardship in the Niger Delta and the suffering of its people is unacceptable despite the region’s wealth of natural resources.

“This is unacceptable,” he stated.

“I feel the pain of the workers,” he added, while assuring that his administration would ensure that salaries are paid without delay.

Ibas during the meeting, directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, supported by relevant documentation, through the office of the Head of Service.

He urged the local government administrators to ensure that peace prevails in their respective domains.

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

Naijaonpoint reports that the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Clifford Paul, who responded on behalf of his colleagues, commended the federal government for appointing the Sole Administrator.

He pledged to support peace and stability while urging the administrator to prioritise workers’ welfare.

He disclosed that local government workers are currently owed two months’ salaries, but are hopeful to get paid now that the withheld allocations have been released.