In a swift and decisive move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has released Rivers State’s allocation to Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the newly appointed sole administrator, less than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on Tuesday, 18 March, 2025.
The announcement came from the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, 19 March, 2025.
This development follows the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly amid an escalating political crisis.
Fagbemi explained that the allocation, drawn from the federation account, would be made available to Ibas upon request to ensure the smooth administration of the state during this extraordinary period.
“The state of emergency has placed Rivers outside the normal governance framework, necessitating the provision of resources to maintain stability,” Fagbemi stated, defending the move as a proactive step to avert further chaos in the oil-rich state.
The rapid release of funds has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters argue it demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to stabilising Rivers State, a critical economic hub. Critics, however, see it as a controversial bypass of democratic processes, questioning the legality of diverting funds from an elected government to an appointed administrator.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has already rejected the emergency declaration, asserting that President Tinubu lacks the authority to suspend a democratically elected governor.
The state of emergency stems from a prolonged political feud, which President Tinubu cited as justification for invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
As Ibas assumes control, all eyes are on how he will manage the state’s resources and address the underlying tensions, with many urging calm and cooperation from Rivers residents during this turbulent transition.
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