Rivers State Administrator Ibas Warns LG Administrators Against Financial Misconduct, Urges Focus On Public Welfare

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has issued a warning to the newly appointed sole administrators of the state’s 23 local government areas (LGAs), declaring that his administration will not condone any form of financial recklessness, abuse of office, or mismanagement of public funds.

Speaking during a meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Ibas emphasized the importance of discipline, transparency, and service delivery in local governance.

“I want to be very clear with all of you—this administration will not tolerate recklessness, abuse of office, or any misuse of public funds. The people of Rivers State have entrusted us with their resources, and it is our sacred duty to use them judiciously,” Ibas said.

He urged the newly appointed officials to embrace a culture of accountability and to direct their efforts toward critical sectors such as sanitation, environmental management, primary healthcare, the welfare of local government civil servants, primary education, and youth engagement.

“These areas are non-negotiable. Your performance will be assessed in the coming weeks based on what you do in these priority sectors. We will not hesitate to take necessary actions where standards are not met,” he added.

Ibas also reiterated the need for local councils to maintain open lines of communication with their communities, adding that transparency and public engagement were essential tools in restoring confidence in grassroots governance.

“The people deserve to know how their money is being spent. This administration will put in place modalities to monitor compliance with due process. We will uphold transparency and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for financial recklessness,” the administrator stated.

In what appeared to be a broader political message, Ibas called on the local administrators to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing efforts to restore peace and democratic structures in the state.

“You must rise to the occasion and deliver on the mandate given to you. The stability of this state depends on how well you serve the people at the grassroots. Let us work together to return all democratic institutions in Rivers State to full functionality,” he urged.

His comments come amid increasing political tensions in the state, as opposition leaders, including governors under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), continue to criticise the Federal Government’s role in recent developments in Rivers.

In a joint statement this week, PDP governors warned President Bola Tinubu to “reverse your atrocious decision on Rivers before it’s too late,” referencing federal actions perceived to undermine the democratic structure in the state.