FG Releases Withheld Funds in Rivers State Following Fubara’s Suspension

• Ibas acknowledged the financial strain experienced by River State employees
• During a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, on Friday, Ibas confirmed that the funds had been released.
• Ibas emphasized the importance of financial accountability, vowing to enforce strict adherence to transparent practices.

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), confirmed that withheld local government allocations have been released, providing relief for affected workers.

Eko Hot Blog reports that this announcement follows the Supreme Court’s decision to hold the funds until the State House Assembly properly appropriates them.

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During a press briefing at the presidential Villa in Abuja, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stated that the funds could be released upon the sole administrator’s request.

Responding to inquiries regarding the Federal Government’s stance on the matter, Fagbemi indicated that if requested, he would recommend releasing the allocations.

Ibas acknowledged the financial strain experienced by River State employees and instructed the relevant authorities to take necessary steps to ensure that salaries are promptly paid now that the withheld funds are available.

“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.”

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

He said necessary steps would be taken to promptly pay workers’ salaries and also expressed concern over the delay in salary payments across local government areas, acknowledging the struggles of affected workers.

“I sincerely feel the pain of these workers, many of whom have endured months of financial strain. Let me assure that the withheld allocations have now been released, and I hereby issue a directive that all the necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid with no further delay.

“As leaders we must feel the pains of our people and offer them a more 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 hereby direct further that all Local Government Areas furnish my office with a wage bills by way of briefing through the office of the Head of Service.

“This will enable me acquaint myself with the situation as this will enable me deal with such matter. All such submissions should be supported with relevant documents to provide clarity and ensure accuracy.”

Ibas emphasized the importance of financial accountability, vowing to enforce strict adherence to transparent practices.

He instructed local government areas to submit their wage bills, accompanied by supporting documentation, through the Head of Service’s office.

Emphasizing his dedication to good governance, Ibas stated that it is more than just a slogan; it is a commitment to transforming the prevailing negative narrative within the next six months

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

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