Protest Erupts Over Unpaid Salaries of Rivers Council Workers

Workers employed by the Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State staged a protest due to delays in receiving their salaries, which have been outstanding for seven months.

Dr. Chidi Lloyd, the local council chairman, criticized the protest, arguing that the council is not responsible for the delay as it is part of an ongoing verification exercise intended to save costs and eliminate ghost workers.

Earlier this week, several disengaged employees protested outside the Local Government Service Commission's office, seeking clarity on the delayed submission of the verification report and the ongoing denial of their salaries.

The disgruntled workers then moved their demonstrations to the staff quarters of the Rivers State House of Assembly, calling for accountability regarding the verification report’s submission and pressing for their due payments.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Rivers State House of Assembly compel the Emohua council chairman to pay our salaries,” and “Speaker and Honourable Members of the Assembly call Barrister Chidi Lloyd to order to pay Emohua workers their seven months’ salary,” they also requested the immediate release of the verification data.

The protest was led by Nwaru Solomon, who highlighted that despite the verification process confirming their employment status as legitimate, workers have not been compensated for over seven months. He claimed that, of over three hundred workers confirmed, only 17 received their salaries from the council chairman.

In response, Dr. Lloyd clarified that the verification, mandated for all 23 local government areas in Rivers State by Governor Fubara, aims to remove fraudulent claims within the workforce. He explained that upon assuming office, he discovered around 1,600 staff on the payroll, but many were later found to be ineligible.

Lloyd stated that the verification process identified issues such as employing minors and instances of dual employment, which violate public service regulations. He emphasized that the verification is not aimed at victimizing any workers but rather at ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

He remarked that fighting against corruption often invites backlash but remains committed to doing the right thing. The verification has reportedly led to savings of approximately N150 million during his prior term, aimed at determining the actual number of eligible workers in the local government.

Lloyd shared a shocking finding: he encountered cases where deceased individuals were still listed on the payroll, indicating severe mismanagement.

The results of the verification showed that only about 989 employees were confirmed as legitimate, with many having since retired, raising concerns for the council’s future operations.

Lloyd also recounted efforts to prevent mismanagement in payroll, detailing how a simple error could mistakenly direct salaries to incorrect accounts.

The resulting reforms have positively impacted council operations, providing local benefits. According to Lloyd, the council’s revenue has grown to around N500 million, enabling the payment of salaries with the wage bill remaining manageable.

Additionally, he mentioned that much-needed electricity infrastructure was developed for the community of Rumuekpe during his term, which had previously been without such services, further illustrating the work undertaken by the local government throughout his administration.

Lloyd concluded by mentioning a healthy balance of N495 million left in the council’s bank account at the end of his first term, demonstrating financial stewardship despite the current issues surrounding unpaid salaries.