March 21, (THEWILL) – Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has met with traditional rulers in the State, pledging to harness their wisdom and influence in de-escalating tension, while fostering unity and building trust among the people.
Ibas made the pledge on Friday, during a meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The meeting brings to three, separate groups that the Administrator had so far met with since assuming duties on Thursday.
The retired naval chief said his meeting with the traditional rulers was necessary because they are mediators of conflict and can attest to the regrettable negative impact that the intractable political crisis had on the maintenance of law and order in the State.
Warning against lawlessness in any part of the State, Ibas charged the traditional rulers to work with him to promote dialogue, understanding and reconciliation in the various communities.
The Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, commended Ibas and charged him to act as a peacemaker that must sufficiently address the conflict that had lingered for a while.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Administrator, has directed the commencement of processes for the payment of salary of Local Government workers.
Ibas gave the directive to the Heads of Local Government Administration and the leadership of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) during a meeting at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
THEWILL reports that local government workers in Rivers have yet to receive their February 2025 salary.
However, Ibas explained that the development was occasioned by recent Supreme Court judgement, which annulled the October 5 Local Government Councils elections. The apex court also stopped the Federal Government from releasing monthly allocation to Rivers State Government.
He, however, disclosed that the withheld allocations have been released.
He said, “I sincerely feel the pain of these workers, many of whom have endured months of financial strain.
“Let me assure that the withheld allocations have now been released, and I hereby issue a directive that all the necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid with no further delay.
“As leaders we must feel the pains of our people and offer them a more positive, inclusive and transformative leadership.
“This is the mandate I have accepted and it is the standard I expect from all of you.
“To this end, I hereby direct further that all Local Government Areas furnish my office with a wage bills by way of briefing through the office of the Head of Service.
“This will enable me acquaint myself with the situation as this will enable me deal with such matter. All such submissions should be supported with relevant documents to provide clarity and ensure accuracy.
“My administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse of office or misuse of public funds. Henceforth, there must be accountability and value for money.
“I have just six months, but we must ensure that the people of Rivers State deserve to see how their money is used and it is our duty to ensure that very kobo is accounted for.
“We will ensure that every decision we make, every policy we implement and every action we take is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and service to the people.
“I urge you to embrace these principles and make them the corner stone of your leadership in your respective local government areas.”
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