The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has stated that the Federal Government would be justified in unblocking and releasing the withheld monthly allocations for Rivers State to its newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.).
Addressing journalists at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, Fagbemi explained that the state’s political crisis constituted an extraordinary circumstance, which could necessitate lifting the initial freeze on funds.
“An unusual situation has emerged in Rivers State,” Fagbemi said. “Once the administrator assumes office, he might request access to the blocked funds. Given the circumstances, I believe approving the release would be appropriate, as the current scenario has disrupted the usual order of governance.”
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court had ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial authorities to withhold allocations to the then-Siminalayi Fubara administration.
The decision was based on what the court described as the state government’s blatant disregard for judicial rulings.
However, the political landscape in Rivers took a dramatic turn on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, declared a state of emergency in the state.
He suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly for six months, arguing that decisive intervention was necessary to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The president’s action has sparked widespread criticism from notable Nigerians, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and legal experts like Femi Falana.
Organizations such as the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have also denounced the move, calling it unconstitutional and undemocratic.
Conversely, lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, who were previously suspended, have supported the emergency measures.
They accused Fubara of defying the Supreme Court’s directive regarding the political crisis in the state.
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