The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has confirmed the release of withheld allocations to the state, assuring that workers’ salaries will be paid promptly.
Ibas disclosed this during a meeting with heads of local government administrations in Port Harcourt, where he acknowledged the financial struggles of workers.
“I feel the pain of the workers,” he said, emphasizing that necessary steps were being taken to ensure salaries were settled without further delay.
The Sole Administrator also stressed financial accountability, stating that he would scrutinize the handling of public funds to prevent mismanagement.
On security, Ibas urged local government administrators to work closely with traditional rulers and security agencies to maintain peace.
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“You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he directed.
In response, Clifford Paul, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, commended the Federal Government for appointing Ibas, describing him as competent and capable.
Paul also urged the administrator to prioritize workers’ welfare, revealing that local government workers were owed two months’ salaries.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions in the state following the controversial declaration of emergency rule and the removal of elected officials.