Is This a Political Witch-Hunt? Rivers Government Demands LG Financial Reports | READ DETAILS

The Rivers State government has ordered all 23 local governments to submit two-year financial reports, triggering panic among administrators. Is this a routine audit or a politically motivated move? Read the full details now.

 

The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been thrown into turmoil following a directive from the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), mandating all Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to submit detailed reports covering the last two years.

 

The directive, which was conveyed through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Dame Dr. Itong Awani, has unsettled many HLGAs, sparking widespread concern about its implications. Many believe the move may have underlying political motives, given the ongoing power struggle in the state.

 

The directive comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated the 2024 local government elections in Rivers State. This led to the suspension of Governor Siminialayi Fubara, who had previously instructed HLGAs to take over the administration of their respective LGAs.

 

However, the new instruction from Vice Admiral Ibas has raised several questions. Why is the state government suddenly interested in reviewing local government activities over the past two years? Could this be a move to audit the former administration’s financial dealings, or is it part of a broader strategy to consolidate power?

 

Breakdown of the Directive

 

According to the letter sent by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, each HLGA is required to submit a comprehensive report detailing the following:

 

• The total number of staff on the nominal roll, categorized by cadre.

 

• Revenue sources and financial transactions of the LGA.

 

• A summary of ongoing and completed projects from the past two years.

 

• The achievements of the council within the stated period.

 

• Challenges faced by the local governments and recommendations for improvements.

 

The deadline for submission was set for Wednesday, March 26, 2025, with the reports expected to be forwarded to the office of the Sole Administrator at Government House, Port Harcourt.

 

Several political analysts believe this sudden request is not just an administrative exercise but a strategic move tied to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Some argue that the demand for financial reports could be aimed at uncovering alleged mismanagement of funds under the previous administration, which could justify further actions against former officials.

 

Others see this as a potential attempt to assert control over the LGAs, especially considering the power struggle that has played out in the state over the past year.

 

A Brewing Political Showdown

 

With the political landscape in Rivers already heated, this directive has fueled speculations about a possible clampdown on certain local government officials. There are concerns that some LGAs may be targeted for political reasons, raising fears of selective investigations.

 

Local government administrators are reportedly in panic mode, scrambling to compile reports that meet the required format, while also navigating the uncertainties surrounding their future in the system.

 

As the deadline approaches, many are watching closely to see how this directive will unfold and whether it will lead to further political tension in Rivers State.