By Olawale Lamina
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, Rtd. has directed the commencement of processes for the payment of salaries of Local Government workers.
The directive was given to the Heads of Local Government Administration and the leadership of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), during a meeting with them at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Ibas identified with the hardship faced by workers in the Local Government Councils as he noted the non-payment of salaries for the month of February and March that is almost coming to an end and describing the situation as most unfortunate.
He explained that it was necessitated by the withholding of the monthly allocations to Rivers State following the Supreme Court judgement delivered on the 28 of February, 2025 which annulled the Local Government Councils elections of 5th October, 2024.
He said: “I sincerely feel the pain of these workers, many of whom have endured months of financial strain.
“Let me assure that the withheld allocations have now been released, and I hereby issue a directive that all the necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid with no further delay.
“As leaders we must feel the pains of our people and offer them a more positive, inclusive and transformative leadership.
“This is the mandate I have accepted and it is the standard I expect from all of you.
“To this end, I hereby direct further that all Local Government Areas furnish my office with a wage bills by way of briefing through the office of the Head of Service.
“This will enable me acquaint myself with the situation as this will enable me deal with such matter. All such submissions should be supported with relevant documents to provide clarity and ensure accuracy.”
“My administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse of office or misuse of public funds. Henceforth, there must be accountability and value for money.
“I have just six months, but we must ensure that the people of Rivers State deserve to see how their money is used and it is our duty to ensure that very kobo is accounted for.
“We will ensure that every decision we make, every policy we implement and every action we take is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and service to the people.
“I urge you to embrace these principles and make them the corner stone of your leadership in your respective local government areas.”
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