Panic as Rivers Administrator Orders LGs to Submit Two-Year Financial Reports

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has directed all Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) across the 23 local councils to submit reports detailing their financial and administrative activities for the past two years.

The directive, which was issued through a letter signed by Dame Dr. Itong Awani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, has reportedly unsettled local government officials due to its urgency and perceived political implications.

This development follows the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the 2024 local government elections, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s earlier directive for HLGAs to take over the councils.

The directive, made public on Wednesday, mandates that all submissions adhere to a specified format and reach the Ministry of Local Government Affairs by March 26, 2025.

• The required report must include:
• Introduction and functions of the council
• Staff details, categorized by cadre
• Revenue sources
• Ongoing and completed projects over the past two years
• Achievements and challenges faced by the councilHLGAs are also expected to provide recommendations on addressing the identified challenges.

The sudden demand for these reports has sparked speculation about potential political motives. Some stakeholders believe the directive is linked to the ongoing power struggle in Rivers State following the suspension of Governor Fubara.