The Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Dr. (Barr.) Samuel B. Kalagbor, DSSRS, on Tuesday, received the Chairman of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Sir Israel N. Amadi, and his delegation at the Council Secretariat in Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
The visit, described as a familiarization tour, provided an opportunity for both parties to strengthen ties and enhance collaboration on local governance reforms.
Dr. Kalagbor congratulated the Commission members on their appointments, expressing confidence in their capacity to deliver. He praised Sir Amadi’s long-standing experience in the civil service and described Port Harcourt as a peaceful and progressive entry point to Rivers State, assuring the Council’s full support for the Commission’s initiatives.
In his remarks, Sir Amadi commended the developmental progress of the Council and emphasized the Commission’s commitment to enforcing merit-based recruitment, curbing political interference, and maintaining high service standards in line with the Local Government Service Law No. 5 of 2018.
He also highlighted key mandates of the Commission, including staff administration, promotions, disciplinary procedures, pension matters, and the digitization of administrative processes. Amadi warned against unethical practices such as age falsification, noting that forensic audits may be introduced to detect irregularities.
An interactive session followed, during which staff raised concerns over delayed promotions, lack of office equipment, and the need for improved digital record systems. The Chairman assured that all matters raised would be duly reviewed and addressed.
The event ended with a vote of thanks by Comrade Clifford Paul, Head of Local Government Administration, who lauded the Commission’s proactive stance and prayed for their continued success.
