By Abiola Olawale
Residents and local government workers in Rivers State can breathe a sigh of relief as the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), confirmed on Friday that the withheld local government allocations have finally been released by the Federal Government.
The announcement was made during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrations in Port Harcourt, with Ibas declaring that the development is step toward resolving the financial strain felt by workers and communities across the oil-rich state.
Ibas, appointed by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, assured that the released funds would prioritize the prompt payment of salaries for local government employees, who he said have been owed two months’ wages.
He stated: “I feel the pain of the workers. I will ensure that salaries are paid without delay now that the withheld allocations have been released.”
The development comes amid a tumultuous period in Rivers State, characterized by political instability and ehat has been described as a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The crisis had escalated, leading to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the state legislature, with Ibas stepping in as sole administrator.
