The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Nigeria, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) across the state’s 23 councils to submit detailed reports covering their financial and administrative activities over the past two years.
The unexpected directive, which was communicated via a letter from Dame Dr. Itong Awani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, has reportedly unsettled local government officials, raising concerns about possible political undertones.
Urgency and Political Implications
The directive follows the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated the 2024 local government elections, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminialayi Fubara and the appointment of administrators to oversee the councils. After the ruling, Fubara had instructed the HLGAs to take over the management of their respective councils.
However, the recent order from Ibas, issued on Monday but made public on Wednesday, has heightened tension among local government heads, who fear it may signal impending audits or further restructuring within the councils.
Submission Guidelines
According to the letter, all HLGAs are required to submit reports to the Permanent Secretary’s office no later than March 26, 2025, for onward transmission to the Sole Administrator’s office in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The report must include:
• An introduction and overview of the council’s functions
• Number of staff on the nominal roll, categorized by cadre
• Sources of revenue generation
• List of ongoing and completed projects over the past two years
• Achievements and challenges faced by the councils
• Recommendations on improving local governanceReactions and Concerns
The directive has sparked anxiety among local government officials, who see it as a sign of increased scrutiny or potential reshuffling of council leadership. Some observers speculate that the move could be linked to broader political strategies in Rivers State, especially in light of the ongoing power struggle between federal and state authorities.
