In a significant development for Rivers State civil servants, pensioners, and suspended political appointees, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of the state, has ordered the immediate payment of March 2025 salaries. This decision brings much-needed relief to public sector workers and pensioners who have been anxiously awaiting their salaries amidst the ongoing political complexities in the state. The directive, issued through a statement by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, underscores the Administrator’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of the state’s workforce and pensioners. The Accountant-General of the state has been explicitly instructed to expedite the payment process without any further delays, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the salary issue.
The timing of the salary payment approval is particularly noteworthy, coming just a day after the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) issued a stern warning to the state government. The NLC had threatened to embark on street protests if the outstanding salaries of local government workers, dating back to February 2025, were not settled by the end of the month. The NLC’s ultimatum, delivered by its State Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, highlighted the growing frustration among workers over the delayed payments. Agwanwor’s statement also called for the implementation of the minimum wage for local government employees, emphasizing that workers should not be made to suffer the consequences of the prevailing political crisis in the state.
The prompt action taken by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, to address the salary concerns demonstrates a responsiveness to the needs of the state’s workforce and pensioners. By authorizing the immediate payment of March 2025 salaries, Ibas effectively de-escalated the potential for labor unrest and reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the state’s employees. This decisive action sends a clear message that the administration is actively working to address the challenges faced by public servants and pensioners, even amidst the ongoing political uncertainties.
This directive from the Sole Administrator represents a significant step towards restoring stability and confidence within the Rivers State public sector. The payment of outstanding salaries not only alleviates the financial burdens faced by workers and pensioners but also reinforces the principle of fairness and equity in the treatment of government employees. The clear and unequivocal instruction to the Accountant-General to expedite the payment process further underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries without any undue delays.
Furthermore, the decision to include suspended political appointees in the salary payment demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and fairness. By ensuring that these individuals also receive their due compensation, the Sole Administrator upholds the principle of respecting contractual obligations and treating all employees equally, regardless of their political affiliations. This approach reinforces the importance of upholding due process and ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly under the law.
Looking ahead, the prompt payment of March 2025 salaries provides a foundation for addressing the broader issue of outstanding salaries from previous months. The Sole Administrator’s decisive action in this instance sets a positive precedent and creates an expectation that similar efforts will be made to resolve the backlog of unpaid salaries. This will be crucial in restoring trust and morale within the public sector and fostering a more stable and productive work environment. The NLC’s call for the implementation of the minimum wage for local government employees remains an outstanding concern, and addressing this issue will be essential in ensuring fair and equitable compensation for all workers in Rivers State.
