Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), Rivers State’s sole administrator, has announced the release of previously withheld local government allocations.
The former Chief of Naval Staff made the announcement during a meeting with heads of local government administrators on Friday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Ibas noted that the required procedures would be taken to pay workers’ pay cheques on time, and he expressed worry about the delay in salary payments throughout local government districts, acknowledging the difficulties faced by affected workers.
“I feel the pain of the workers,” he said, assuring them that the withheld allocations had been released and that his administration would ensure that salaries were paid without delay.
Ibas, who warned that financial accountability will be aggressively enforced, asked all local government units to submit wage bills, accompanied by necessary paperwork, to the office of the Head of Service.
He stated that his administration will not accept financial recklessness, promising to monitor the handling of public monies and take action against any mismanagement.
Ibas stated that good governance is not just a slogan but a commitment to changing the negative narrative within the next six months.
“You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he urged local government administrators.
Clifford Paul, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and Administrator of the Port Harcourt Local Government Area, responded by acknowledging the state’s developmental progress in the face of political turmoil.
He praised the federal government for designating the single administrator, citing his expertise and leadership abilities.
He committed to maintaining peace and stability while pushing the administrator to promote workers’ well-being.
He explained that local government employees are currently owed two months pay but are hoping that the withheld funds have been released.
