Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, confirmed the release of withheld local government allocations by the Federal Government. He assured timely salary payments to workers, stressed financial accountability, and pledged collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies to ensure public safety in the state.
In a significant update for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator appointed by President Bola Tinubu, confirmed on March 21, 2025, that the Federal Government had released the withheld local government allocations. The announcement came during a meeting in Port Harcourt with heads of local government administrators, marking a pivotal moment in the state's governance after a long period of financial tension.
Ibas, who was appointed amidst a state of emergency due to ongoing political unrest, expressed his commitment to ensure workers’ salaries were paid promptly, empathizing with the challenges faced by local government employees. He reassured the public and workers that the necessary steps would be taken to prevent further delays in payments. Additionally, the Sole Administrator stressed the importance of financial transparency and promised rigorous scrutiny of public fund management.
Clifford Paul, president of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), praised Ibas’s appointment, citing his competence and leadership qualities. However, Paul emphasized the urgency of prioritizing workers' welfare, noting that many local government employees had not been paid for two months. As part of his strategy to address security concerns, Ibas also called for collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies to ensure the safety of residents. This move is seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the state’s governance and economy.
