The Federal Government has stated that the allocation for Rivers State will only be released once the newly appointed Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd), assumes office. This decision follows the ongoing political crisis in the state, which led to a state of emergency being declared by President Bola Tinubu.
The Supreme Court has ruled that Rivers State’s funds will remain withheld until the State House of Assembly properly approves the budget for its use. This move is part of efforts to restore order in the state, which has been in turmoil due to a power struggle between key political figures.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. This drastic measure was taken to address the escalating crisis and ensure stability in governance. The President’s decision has sparked reactions from various political and legal experts.
Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, explained the government’s stance on the allocation. When asked whether the funds would be released to the state despite the ongoing issues, he responded, “If the administrator requests it, I will say it should be released to him. And to me, it will be in order for the release of that fund because the event of the extraordinary situation has brought them out of the normal situation of things.”
The Attorney-General also defended the President’s decision to declare a state of emergency, dismissing criticisms that other solutions should have been explored first. He stated, “I think the President has acted timeously. He has given the opportunity to all the parties involved to make amends. Before then, he had to assemble them, he had tried to mediate.”
