Rivers Sole Administrator Announces Release of Withheld Allocations

… Assures Prompt Salary Payment

 

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced the release of withheld local government allocations, assuring that necessary steps would be taken to ensure the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

Ibas disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, describing the engagement as a crucial step towards restoring stability and progress in the state.

He lamented the economic hardship in the Niger Delta, noting that despite the region’s wealth of natural resources, many of its people continued to suffer.

“This is unacceptable,” he said, stressing the need for transformation and financial accountability.

The administrator expressed concern over the delay in salary payments across local government areas, acknowledging the struggles of affected workers.

“I feel the pain of the workers,” he stated, assuring them that the withheld allocations had been released and that his administration would ensure prompt payment of salaries.

However, he warned that financial discipline would be strictly enforced, directing all local government areas to submit their wage bills with supporting documents through the office of the Head of Service.

Ibas, a retired Vice Admiral and former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to scrutinise public funds and take decisive action against mismanagement.

“Good governance is not just a slogan; it is a commitment to changing the negative narrative within the next six months,” he added.

He also emphasised the need for collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies to enhance grassroots security.

“You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he charged local government administrators.

Reacting, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Clifford Paul, commended the Federal Government for appointing Ibas, attributing the decision to his leadership competence.

He urged the administrator to prioritise workers’ welfare, stating that local government workers were currently owed two months’ salaries.

“With the release of the withheld allocations, we are hopeful that workers will receive their entitlements soon,” he said.

Paul further called on stakeholders to seize the opportunity to rebuild trust and foster unity in the state.