The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd), has directed the heads of local government administration in the state, to commence processes for the payment of outstanding salaries owned council workers.
Ibas gave the directive when he met with heads of local government administration and the leadership of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Rivers State chapter, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The sole administrator stated that he is aware of the hardship faced by local government workers who had been owed salaries for the month of February and March that is almost coming to an end.
He described the situation as most unfortunate, and explained that it was necessitated by the withholding of the monthly allocations to Rivers State following the Supreme Court judgement delivered on February 28, 2025, which annulled the local government elections held on October 5, 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.
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“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 bill 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.”
Ibas pledged to promote the culture of transparency and accountability, while warning against reckless spending of public funds at the local government levels.
He said the local government is the third tier of government closest to the people, and bears the sacred responsibility of ensuring that affairs of councils run with utmost care, respect and dedication to the welfare of the people.
He also stated that as a new administration, transparency and accountability will remain the watchword in all engagements and activities.
“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 every kobo is accounted for,” he said.
According to him, he is already working out the necessary modalities that will ensure effective monitoring of accountability, due process and zero tolerance for recklessness in the handling of public funds across all local government areas.
He emphasised that no efforts will be spared in taking decisive actions against anyone who is found wanting in financial dealings at the local government councils.
President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Clifford Paul, who is also the head of local government administration of Port Harcourt Local Government Areas, said local government workers are owned two months salaries, and thanked the sole administrator for directing the immediate payment of their salaries.
Comrade Paul stated that Rivers State had experienced development with the political conflicts creating so much tension, but expressed the hope that with the sole administrator on the saddle, greater peace will be achieved in the state, and pledged their unalloyed support to that cause.
