The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) from all 23 local councils to submit detailed reports covering the past two years of their activities. This unexpected directive has reportedly caused anxiety among the affected officials, with some linking it to political developments in the state.
The order was conveyed in a letter issued by Dame Dr. Itong Awani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs. While the letter was dated Monday, it only became public knowledge on Wednesday. It instructs all HLGAs to submit their reports by Wednesday, March 26, 2025, for onward transmission to the Sole Administrator’s office at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The letter stated: “His Excellency, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State has directed that all Heads of Local Government Administration should submit the report of their councils to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs.”
The report is expected to contain several key details, including the total number of staff in each council, revenue sources, and an overview of activities over the last two years. Additionally, the HLGAs must document ongoing and completed projects, challenges faced by the councils, and recommendations for improving local governance.
The letter outlined the submission format as follows:
- Introduction/Preamble
- Functions of the Council
- Number of Staff on Nominal Roll, listed by cadre
- Sources of Revenue Generation
- Council Activities, including Ongoing and Completed Projects
- Achievements of the Council
- Challenges and Recommendations for Improvement
This directive comes amidst political uncertainty in Rivers State. It follows the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the 2024 local government elections, after which the suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubara instructed the HLGAs to take over the administration of the councils.
Some local government officials reportedly view the directive as a sudden and unusual request, leading to concerns about potential political motives behind the demand for the financial records. Others worry about the short notice given for the submission, considering the volume of information required.
