The Federal Government has released the withheld local government allocations for Rivers State, as the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas (retd.), urged traditional rulers to help de-escalate tensions following opposition to the state of emergency.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, made this announcement on Friday while addressing local government administrators in Rivers State. He assured workers that their salaries, which had been delayed due to the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, would now be paid without further delay.
“I sincerely feel the pains of these workers, many of whom have endured months of hardship. Let me assure you that the withheld allocations have now been released, and I hereby issue a directive that all necessary steps be taken to ensure these salaries are paid immediately,” Ibas stated.
The administrator also directed local government Heads of Service to submit financial records for transparency, stressing that his administration would not tolerate financial mismanagement.
“The local government is the closest tier of government to the people. You bear the sacred responsibility to run the affairs of your councils with utmost care, respect, and dedication to the welfare of the people. My administration will not tolerate any form of reckless abuse of office or misuse of public funds,” he warned.
Ibas also met with traditional rulers at Government House, where he called for their support in restoring stability to the state, emphasizing that Rivers State is vital to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I hold deep respect for this region and its people. It is therefore disheartening to witness the breakdown of law and order in a state as vital as Rivers. But let me assure Your Royal Majesties and the good people of Rivers State that I am fully committed to restoring peace and order,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, at its third monthly virtual meeting, resolved to challenge the state of emergency in Rivers State in court. The forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic governance and called for judicial interpretation of Section 305(3) of the Constitution.
“We stand in solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State in this difficult period. We have resolved to instruct our Attorneys General in PDP-controlled states to challenge this development in court,” the communique stated.
In a separate legal move, a group of Ijaw youths dissatisfied with the state of emergency has approached the ECOWAS Court in Abuja, seeking to overturn the suspension of elected officials and the removal of democratic institutions in Rivers State.
The suit, filed by Harry Ibiso and 11 others, argues that President Bola Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to suspend an elected governor and dissolve democratic structures.
“A state of emergency cannot serve as a guise for usurping executive and legislative powers,” the applicants contended.
Prominent political figures and over 300 civil society organizations (CSOs) have condemned the state of emergency, calling it unconstitutional.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), described Tinubu’s decision as “illegal and a dangerous precedent” that undermines Nigeria’s democracy.
“For a politician who prides himself as a defender of democracy, drafting the military into governance is a setback to Nigeria’s democratic journey,” Kwankwaso said.
CSOs, including Yiaga Africa and Enough is Enough Nigeria, also decried the move as an “executive coup” and a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
“The Constitution does not support the unilateral dismissal of Rivers State’s elected leaders. We demand an immediate reversal of this unconstitutional decision and full legislative oversight,” FixPolitics Executive Director, Anthony Ubani, said at a press briefing.
Despite widespread opposition, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has commended President Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it was necessary to maintain national stability.
Similarly, Cross River State’s Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, distanced himself from the position of the South-South Governors’ Forum, signaling division among leaders in the region over the matter.
President Tinubu declared the state of emergency on Tuesday, shortly after two oil facilities were attacked by unidentified groups. As part of the measures, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature.
Ibas reiterated that his primary mandate is to restore order in the state.
“We cannot afford lawlessness, sabotage, or threats to national assets. My administration is committed to justice, fairness, and civil order to ensure that Rivers people live and work in peace,” he said.
As the legal battle and political tensions continue to escalate, all eyes are now on the judiciary to determine the fate of Rivers State’s leadership.
