The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to take immediate steps to ensure the payment of outstanding salaries owed to local government workers.
Ibas issued the directive during a meeting with the Heads of Local Government Administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Rivers Chapter, in Port Harcourt on Friday.
He expressed concern over the non-payment of salaries for February and March, attributing the delay to the withholding of monthly allocations to the state following a Supreme Court ruling. The apex court had, on 28 February, annulled the local government council elections held on 5 October 2025.
“The withheld allocations have now been released,” Ibas stated. “I sincerely empathise with the affected workers, many of whom have endured months of financial hardship. I hereby direct that all necessary steps be taken to ensure these salaries are paid without further delay.”
He emphasised that the local government, being the third tier of government and closest to the people, must operate with responsibility, respect, and dedication to public welfare.
“As leaders, we must recognise the struggles of our people and provide them with inclusive and transformative leadership. This is the mandate I have accepted, and it is the standard I expect from all of you,” he declared.
Ibas further instructed that all local government areas furnish his office with wage bills through the Head of Service to ensure transparency and proper accountability.
“My administration will not tolerate financial recklessness, abuse of office, or misuse of public funds. Every kobo must be accounted for. Although my tenure is brief, lasting just six months, we must ensure that the people of Rivers State see how their resources are being managed,” he asserted.
He warned that stringent measures would be taken against anyone found guilty of financial mismanagement at the local government level.
The President of NULGE, Rivers Chapter, Mr Clifford Paul, who also serves as the Head of Local Government Administration in Port Harcourt, confirmed that workers had not received salaries for two months. He commended the Sole Administrator for taking immediate action to resolve the issue.
Paul noted that political instability had slowed the state’s development, but expressed hope that under the Sole Administrator’s leadership, peace and stability would be restored. He pledged NULGE’s full support for efforts to bring lasting peace to Rivers State.
