Nigeria Rivers State’s Withheld Funds Released to Ibok Ibas After Emergency Declaration

The Federal Government has announced the release of Rivers State’s held allocation to Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas following President Tinubu’s emergency declaration. The decision aims to stabilize the state amid ongoing political challenges. The Attorney-General confirmed that the funds would be disbursed directly to the administrator.

The Federal Government confirmed on Wednesday that the withheld allocation for Rivers State will be transferred to the state’s newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.). This move comes after President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, which was deemed essential to avoid potential crisis escalation.

Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, addressed the press at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, stating that the allocation would now be released directly to the administrator as part of the emergency governance measures. Fagbemi clarified that former Governor Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has no involvement in the crisis that led to the emergency declaration.

“This decision is made in light of the unique circumstances in Rivers State,” Fagbemi explained, adding that the federal government deemed it necessary to adjust normal procedures to ensure proper governance during this time of political instability. He reiterated that the emergency measures were taken to uphold stability and address the ongoing challenges in the state.