Rivers State Government To Pay Civil Servants Salary Arrears

SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, (THEWILL) – Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that his administration will work towards paying off all salary arrears owed by the immediate past administration in the state.

He stressed that no civil servant will be victimised on the account of their political inclinations, but added that they should desist from playing partisan politics.

Addressing, civil servants on Monday at the State Secretariat during his maiden meeting with them, Governor Wike said that his administration will be workers friendly.

He said never in the history of the state had civil servants salaries been owed , pointing out that he will take proactive measures to ensure that the state will never descend to such unacceptable level.

He said: “I want to assure you that we will pay you your salaries. We cannot embark on project execution without first paying your salaries.

“The immediate past administration owed salaries because of misplaced priorities. For this administration, staff welfare will be given top priority.”

He regretted that the civil servants and their unions kept quiet while the former administration relegated staff welfare to the background.

On the poor condition of the State Secretariat, Governor Wike assured the workers that his administration will improve facilities at the State Secretariat for greater productivity of the workers.

The governor, however, charged the State Head of Service, Mr. Samuel Long-John to take remedial measures to improve the state secretariat pending the full scale rehabilitation.

He also directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports to ensure that sportsmen and women playing for Sharks, Dolphin and Rivers Angels Football Clubs get their eight months salaries today.

Earlier, Mr. Long-John assured the governor that the civil servants will support his administration in the quest to transform the state.