Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has called on workers to put the interests of the state first as his administration works towards restoring public trust and improving governance.
In a State-wide broadcast on International Workers’ Day, Ibas praised civil servants as the backbone of development and assured that their welfare remains a top priority.
“We recognize your contributions and are taking steps to ensure your welfare is given the priority it deserves,” Ibas stated, urging workers to remain committed and united in moving the state forward.
The administrator addressed long-standing issues affecting workers’ morale, including delays in the contributory pension scheme and unpaid benefits. He revealed that a review is underway ahead of the scheme’s July transition deadline and assured pensioners of the imminent payment of a N32,000 consequential adjustment approved by the federal government.
Other key announcements included the resumption and expansion of the state’s free bus scheme to mitigate transport costs following fuel subsidy removal, and the launch of a leadership training programme for senior civil servants within two weeks.
Ibas also highlighted progress made in addressing salary disputes, affirming that salaries and pensions are now paid promptly, with newly employed staff at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and Judiciary receiving approved payments. He confirmed that minimum wage is now being implemented across local government areas.
Reaffirming his commitment to reposition Rivers State as a model of peace, productivity, and progress, Ibas called on citizens to support his administration’s reform agenda.
