Tory Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has announced the release of previously withheld local government allocations. He confirmed this during a meeting with heads of local government administrators in Port Harcourt, assuring that steps are being taken to ensure the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.
“I feel the pain of the workers,” Ibas stated, emphasizing his commitment to addressing their concerns. He also stressed the importance of financial accountability, vowing to scrutinize the handling of public funds to ensure transparency.
On security, Ibas called for collaboration between local government administrators, traditional rulers, and security agencies. “You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he told the administrators.
Reacting to the development, Clifford Paul, 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. Paul attributed the decision to Ibas’ competence and urged him to prioritize workers’ welfare, noting that local government employees are owed two months’ salaries.
The release of the allocations comes amid ongoing tensions in Rivers State, including recent debates over emergency rule and financial autonomy for local governments.
