Rivers State Sole Administrator Releases Withheld Local Government Allocations
Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has announced the release of local government allocations that had previously been withheld. This revelation came during a meeting held with Heads of Local Government Administrators on Friday in Port Harcourt, the state’s capital.
Ibas emphasized the importance of addressing delayed salary payments for local government workers, acknowledging the distress many have faced as a result. “I feel the pain of the workers,” he remarked, assuring them that the released funds would facilitate prompt payment of salaries.
In his address, Ibas underscored his commitment to strict financial accountability, instructing local government areas to submit their wage bills along with necessary documentation to the Head of Service. He warned that his administration would not condone any form of financial mismanagement and pledged to thoroughly examine public fund usage, promising to act against any occurrences of recklessness.
The Sole Administrator further noted that good governance is not merely a phrase but a tangible commitment aimed at improving the current situation within the next six months. “You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he directed the local government administrators.
In response to Ibas’s announcement, Clifford Paul, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, recognized the progress made in the state despite ongoing political challenges. He commended the Federal Government for appointing Ibas as the Sole Administrator, attributing his selection to his proven competence and leadership skills.
Paul expressed his commitment to fostering peace and stability within the region while urging the administrator to prioritize the welfare of workers. He also noted that local government employees are currently owed two months’ salaries but remain optimistic now that the withheld allocations have been released.
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