The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to take all necessary steps to ensure the immediate payment of outstanding salaries owed to local government workers.
Ibas issued the directive during a meeting with the Heads of Local Government Administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Rivers Chapter, in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Describing the non-payment of February and March salaries as unfortunate, he attributed the delay to the withholding of monthly allocations to the state following a Supreme Court ruling. He noted that the Supreme Court, on February 28, had annulled the local government council election held on October 5, 2024.
With the withheld allocations now released, Ibas assured that he understood the financial difficulties faced by workers. “I sincerely feel the pain of these workers, many of whom have endured months of financial strain. I hereby issue a directive that all necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid without further delay,” he stated.
Emphasizing the crucial role of local government as the closest tier of government to the people, he urged council leaders to prioritize care, respect, and dedication to public welfare. “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,” he added.
To ensure accountability, Ibas instructed all Local Government Areas to submit their wage bills through the Office of the Head of Service. He emphasized that all submissions must be accompanied by relevant documents for clarity and accuracy.
Reaffirming his commitment to transparency, Ibas warned against reckless spending of public funds. “My administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse of office, or misuse of public funds. There must be accountability and value for money,” he declared.
Acknowledging that his tenure is limited to six months, he stressed the importance of ensuring that the people of Rivers State see how their resources are utilized. He disclosed that mechanisms for monitoring financial accountability were being put in place and assured that decisive actions would be taken against anyone found guilty of financial misconduct.
Ibas called on local government officials to embrace transparency, accountability, and service to the people. He reminded them that leadership requires selfless service and that those unwilling to make sacrifices for the public good should step aside.
“Rivers people deserve the best service from those entrusted with public leadership, and they must deliver selflessly and tirelessly,” he asserted. He urged officials to rise to the occasion and provide effective leadership, seeing themselves as change agents and architects of the future.
“Let us work together to ensure that the people of Rivers State feel the impact of good governance in their lives. Let us uphold the highest standards of integrity, refusing to be compromised by personal interest or external pressure,” he charged.
In his response, Mr. Clifford Paul, President of NULGE, Rivers Chapter, who also serves as the Head of Local Government Administration for Port Harcourt Local Government Council, acknowledged the delay in salary payments and lauded the Sole Administrator for his swift intervention.
Paul noted that political conflicts had slowed down development in Rivers State but expressed optimism that with Ibas at the helm, peace and stability would return. He pledged the union’s full support in fostering peace and progress in the state. (NAN)