The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, indicated that the Federal Government may soon release the previously blocked monthly allocation to Rivers State’s newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retired). The funds had been withheld due to a Supreme Court decision, which barred the release of state allocations amid ongoing political disputes.
In late February, the Supreme Court had ordered this financial restraint due to perceived disobedience of court orders by the former administration led by Siminalayi Fubara. However, following President Bola Tinubu’s recent imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Fubara along with his deputy and the state’s House of Assembly, the situation is evolving. This exceptional circumstance has led Fagbemi to suggest the allocations could be released to support the newly appointed administrator.
The state of emergency action taken by President Tinubu, based on constitutional provisions, aims to manage the escalating political tensions in the state. Nonetheless, this move has drawn criticism from several legal and political figures, while being supported by certain local lawmakers. The situation remains complex as Rivers State transitions under new leadership amidst ongoing national scrutiny.
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