Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, says prompt payment of salaries of workers will be prioritised following the release of withheld local government allocations of the state.
Ibas, while addressing Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, said he was worried that despite the huge potential of the Niger-Delta region, the people still suffer.
He said the delay in payment of workers’ salaries was not acceptable and underscored the need for transformation and accountability.
“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”.
However, he warned that financial accountability would be strictly enforced.
Ibas, consequently, directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, supported by relevant documentation, through the office of the Head of Service and warned that his administration would not tolerate financial recklessness.
President Bola Tinubu, during a nationwide broadcast, had declared a State of emergency in Rivers State following prolonged political and security crises.
President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state legislature for an initial six-month period and appointed Vice-Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State.
The President’s declaration of a state of emergency has generated mixed reactions.
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room condemned the President’s move, calling it an unconstitutional takeover of a democratically elected government.
Similarly, the National Labour Congress ( NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have demanded the immediate reversal of the state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.
But in a swift response, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi told Nigerians that the Federal Government’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State was made in the best interest of both the people and the country.
The National Assembly have also approved the emergency rule declared by President Tinubu in Rivers State.
RN
