The Federal Government has announced that federal allocations for Rivers State will be given to the State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas.
This is as the Government defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers.
It described the move as very necessary to prevent a complete breakdown of order in the oil rich State.
The FG also dismissed claims that former Rivers Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, played a role in the political crisis in Rivers State.
These were contained in a statement by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
He stated these while addressing journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
Fielding questions from journalists, if the Federal Government would still release the State’s allocation despite the situation, the AGF said the funds would be made available if the Administrator requested them.
He said, “And to me, it will be in order for the release of that fund. Because the event of the extraordinary situation has brought them out of the normal situation of things.”
“We have about two years into the administration in the State. Now, when do you think he should have acted? Should he have waited until everything was destroyed? I don’t think so
“I think the President acted at the right time. He gave all parties a chance to resolve their differences. Before then, he had called them together and tried to mediate,” Fagbemi stated.
Recall that on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
According to Tinubu, the move was necessary to restore stability in Rivers State. Which has been facing political unrest due to conflicts between the governor and lawmakers.
To run the affairs of the State in the next six months, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as the administrator of Rivers State.