JUST IN: FG to Release Rivers State Allocation to Sole Administrator

The Federal Government approves the release of Rivers State’s allocation to the newly appointed sole administrator following Governor Fubara’s suspension.

The Federal Government has declared that the monthly funds allocated to Rivers State will be assigned to the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), following the announcement of a state of emergency in the region.

In a statement made on Wednesday, the government supported President Bola Tinubu’s decision, emphasizing that the emergency measures were essential to avert a total collapse of governance in the oil-rich state.

Furthermore, the government refuted claims that former Rivers Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had any involvement in the crisis that prompted the emergency declaration.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, conveyed this information while addressing State House reporters at the presidential villa in Abuja.

When asked whether the Federal Government would disburse the allocation from the federation account to the state in light of recent developments, the Minister indicated that the funds would be released upon request from the administrator.

He remarked, “It would be appropriate to release those funds, as the extraordinary circumstances have altered the usual state of affairs.”

He defended the President’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating, “We are approximately two years into the administration in the state.

“When do you believe he (President Tinubu) should have intervened? Should it have been after everything was in ruins? I don’t think so.

“I believe the President has acted promptly. He has provided all parties involved with the chance to rectify the situation. Prior to this, he had convened them and attempted to mediate,” he explained.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial duration of six months.