Federal Government Allocates Funds to Rivers State Amid State of Emergency Declaration
The Federal Government has announced that the funds designated for Rivers State will be allocated to the state’s newly appointed Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas. This decision comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state, a measure deemed essential to avoid a complete breakdown of law and order.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, addressed the media at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, during which he defended the President’s actions. He clarified that accusations suggesting the involvement of former Rivers Governor and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the crisis that precipitated the emergency declaration were unfounded.
When questioned about the continuation of state fund allocations amid the current turmoil, Fagbemi affirmed that these funds would be disbursed to the Administrator upon request. “Given the extraordinary circumstances, it is entirely appropriate to release these funds,” he stated.
Fagbemi further justified Tinubu’s intervention, stressing the urgency of the situation. “We’ve been monitoring the political landscape for nearly two years. What was he supposed to do—wait until everything collapsed? I don’t think so,” he remarked, pointing out that the President had previously attempted to mediate between the conflicting parties.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for a period of six months. This decisive action aims to restore stability amidst ongoing political unrest fueled by tensions between the governor and lawmakers. In conjunction with the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, to oversee the administration of Rivers State.
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