The Sole Administrator of Rivers State and former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas on Friday, disclosed that the federal government has released the withheld River State local government council allocations.
This was as Ibas urged traditional rulers in the State to collaborate with his administration and ensure the de-escalation of tension in the state.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum at its third monthly virtual meeting on Friday resolved to challenge the State of Emergency in Rivers State in court.
But ahead of the planned legal action by the PDP Governors, a group of Ijaw youth who were dissatisfied with the latest development in the State have asked the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Court), in Abuja, to set aside and/or quash the suspension of elected officials and removal of democratic structures and institutions by the federal government.
Also on Friday, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and a former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, described the state of emergency declared in Rivers State as illegal and unconstitutional.
In the same vein, over 300 civil society organisations (CSOs) condemned the act saying it’s not only unconstitutional but Anti- constitutional and a dent in democracy. The CSOs which included Yiaga Africa, Feminist Womanifesto, Enough is Enough Nigeria, stated that amongst other forms of illegalities, the President abused presidential prerogative (Section 305, 1999 Constitution) and was responsible for the unconstitutional & opaque actions of the National Assembly, as well as the illegitimate removal of elected officials (Section 188 and Federalism Provisions).
This comes as the Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, disassociated himself from the position of the South-south Governors Forum over the declaration of a State-of-Emergency in Rivers State
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, few hours after two oil facilities were attacked by yet to be identified person or groups.
Besides, Tinubu went ahead to suspend the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Addressing Heads of Local Government Administration from the 23 LGAs, Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), noted that the workers had suffered hardship following the seizure of the allocation due to the directive of the Supreme Court judgement of February 28, 2025.
He said “I stand before you here not just as an administrator, but as a fellow servant of the people of Rivers State, dedicated to ensuring that Rivers State rises to its full potential as a beacon of hope and prosperity in Nigeria.
“The Niger Delta region is blessed with abundant natural resources, yet our people have not fully reaped the benefit of these blessings. This is unacceptable. As leaders we must feel the pains of our people and offer them a more positive inclusive and transformative leadership. This is the standard I expected from all of you.
“I am very much aware of the hardship faced by workers in the local government areas, due to the non-payment of salaries for the month of April, at least March is almost coming to an end.
“This is an unfortunate situation that arose as a result of withholding of the monthly allocations following the Supreme Court Judgment that was delivered on February 28, 2025, which annulled the local government councils of October 5, 2024.”
Ibas who directed the LGAs Head of Services to submit all the relevant documents for clarity and accuracy in payment of the salaries, said, “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 the necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid without any further delay.
“To this end, I hereby direct further that all local government areas furnish my office with your wage paid by way of brief through the office of Head of Service. This will enable me to acquaint myself with the situation in such a matter.”
He said “The local government is the closest tier of government to the people, as such you (Head of Administrations) bear the sacred responsibility to ensure that the affairs of your councils are run 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.
“Henceforth there must be accountability and value for money. I have just six months, perhaps you too have the same six months, but we must ensure that Rivers state see how their money is used.”
Similarly, while speaking with traditional rulers in Government House, on Friday, Vice Admiral Ibas solicited for their support in restoring law, order and stability to the State, stressing that Rivers state is the heart of Niger Delta and a major contributor to the nation’s economy.
Ibas said “As a son of Niger Delta, I hold deep lot of respect for this region and its people. Rivers State especially holds a special place in my heart. It is a state blessed with abundant natural resources. The brant culture and hardworking people who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation.”
The administrator expressed pains over the recent disorder, insecurity and instability that played in the state recently.
He said “As a former chief of the naval staff, I have dedicated my live to protecting our nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of our people.
“It is therefore, disheartening to witness the breakdown of law and order in a state as vital as Rivers State. But let me assure, Your Royal Majesties and the good people of Rivers State, that I am fully positioned to restoring peace and order. I will do everything possible within my power and reach to give Rivers people the sense of pride, honour, security they are all known for.”
He restated that the primary mandate of his administration was to restore law and order in the State.
“Rivers State is not just geographical entity; it is the heartbeat of the Niger Delta and critical contributor to the national economy. We cannot afford to allow lawlessness, sabotage or threat to our national assets to persist.
