Rivers Fubara: Defends Ghost Workers Audit Across LGAs

• Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has defended a comprehensive staff payroll verification exercise targeting "ghost" workers across all 23 local government areas.
• The governor stated the audit aims to entrench fiscal discipline and address a long-standing issue of bloated payrolls, rejecting any political motivations.
• Fubara, drawing on his background as a Treasury Officer, deployed ICT personnel to ensure the committee's work is objective and adheres to proper employment channels.
• He affirmed his unwavering support for the audit's recommendations and called for political leaders to unite for the state's future progress.

The governor explicitly stated that political considerations would not influence the audit's findings, emphasizing that the process is designed to be impartial, regardless of individuals' affiliations or support for his administration.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly defended his administration's decision to implement a comprehensive staff payroll verification exercise, specifically targeting "ghost" workers across all 23 local government areas of the state. The governor articulated his stance on Monday during the inauguration ceremony for the Omademe Internal Roads Project, situated in the Ikwerre Local Government Area. This initiative, he explained, is a cornerstone of his government's commitment to instilling fiscal discipline within the public service sector.

The Rivers Fubara ghost workers audit aims to cleanse the state's payroll of illicit entries, a move the governor asserts is vital for sound financial management. By scrutinizing the Rivers State payroll verification process at the local government level, the administration seeks to ensure that public funds are allocated efficiently and transparently. This proactive measure underscores a broader effort to enhance accountability and integrity in government operations.

Governor Fubara highlighted that the issue of inflated salary payrolls within local government structures has been a persistent challenge, predating his assumption of office. He noted that the then Rivers State Local Government Service Commission had already begun addressing this problem before a period of emergency rule in the state. Upon his return from what he termed a "sabbatical leave" and the subsequent constitution of a new commission, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his determination to resolve this entrenched issue.

Drawing upon his prior experience as a Treasury Officer before entering politics, Governor Fubara has applied practical insights to the current verification effort. He confirmed the deployment of specialized ICT personnel to guide the committee tasked with the exercise, ensuring its execution with utmost objectivity and integrity. The governor explicitly stated that political considerations would not influence the audit's findings, emphasizing that the process is designed to be impartial, regardless of individuals' affiliations or support for his administration. He stressed that proper channels must be followed for employment, dismissing any claims that the audit is politically motivated.

Governor Fubara unequivocally stated his approval and unwavering support for the implementation of the audit's recommendations. He emphasized that his administration is committed to ensuring that the correct procedures are followed, asserting that employment must always occur through legitimate channels. This firm stance is central to the broader goal of tackling public service fraud and upholding Nigeria local government payroll integrity.

The governor urged the public to refrain from politicizing the verification exercise, insisting that not every state matter should be linked to political maneuvering or personal agendas. Instead, he called for an objective assessment based on facts. Fubara's commitment extends beyond the audit, as he pledged to continue delivering beneficial initiatives for the people of Rivers State throughout his tenure, prioritizing value creation over the duration of his time in office. He encouraged citizens to remain hopeful, suggesting that divine plans might hold further opportunities for the state.

Beyond the critical Rivers fiscal discipline initiative, Governor Fubara's administration is also focused on infrastructural development. The Omademe Internal Roads Project, inaugurated on the same day as his payroll verification defense, exemplifies efforts to connect rural communities, facilitate movement, and stimulate economic activities. The contract for these internal roads was awarded to Setraco Construction Limited in February 2024, with work commencing shortly thereafter.

In a broader appeal, Governor Fubara called upon political leaders across Rivers State to collaborate in sustaining the prevailing peace and to move past previous political crises. He expressed his disinterest in revisiting past conflicts, instead urging a collective focus on the future and the shared progress of the state as a vital part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This holistic approach underscores his administration's dedication to both financial prudence and overall societal advancement.

This signals heightened scrutiny on public sector employment and payroll integrity in Rivers State, potentially leading to investigations, disciplinary actions, or legal challenges for local government employees and officials. Lawyers advising public sector clients should prepare for increased compliance demands and potential disputes arising from the verification exercise.

Source: Reporting based on original coverage via The Punch