Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has confirmed the release of withheld local government allocations, promising that workers’ salaries will be paid without delay.
During a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, Ibas described the moment as crucial for restoring stability and progress in the state.
Acknowledging the financial struggles in the Niger Delta despite its resource wealth, he declared, “This is unacceptable,” stressing the need for change and accountability.
Ibas, a retired vice admiral, assured affected workers, “I feel the pain of the workers,” vowing that financial transparency would be strictly upheld. He directed local governments to submit wage bills with proper documentation to the Head of Service’s office.
Emphasizing responsible governance, he warned against financial mismanagement and committed to enforcing strict oversight of public funds. “Good governance is not just a slogan,” he stated, pledging to transform the system within six months.
He also called for cooperation with traditional rulers and security agencies to improve grassroots security. “You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he urged.
In response, Clifford Paul, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), praised Ibas’s leadership and the Federal Government’s decision to appoint him. He urged continued focus on workers’ welfare, noting that two months’ salaries were still owed.
With the allocation released, Paul expressed hope that trust and unity could be restored in the state.
