Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has defended the implementation of a payroll verification exercise across the state’s 23 local government areas, saying it is intended to remove ghost workers and restore financial discipline.
Fubara spoke while commissioning the Omademe Internal Roads Project in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
He said irregularities in council payrolls predated his administration.
According to the governor, the former Local Government Service Commission had already begun addressing the issue before the political crisis and subsequent emergency rule in the state.
Fubara said the process resumed after his return and the inauguration of a new commission.
He said experienced treasury and information technology personnel were supporting the verification.
The governor rejected suggestions that the exercise was designed to punish political opponents or favour his supporters.
He said public employment had to follow due process regardless of political affiliation.
Fubara also used the commissioning ceremony to renew his call for political reconciliation.
He said he was no longer interested in returning to the conflict that had divided the state and urged political leaders to preserve the relative peace now prevailing.
The governor said his administration would continue focusing on projects that improved daily life rather than the number of days remaining in office.
The Omademe roads project consists of 10 internal roads covering about 8.6 kilometers.
The project also includes concrete side drains and a three kilometer outfall drainage system designed to reduce flooding.
Works Commissioner Temple Nwofor said the contract was awarded to Setraco Construction Limited in February 2024 and physical construction began later that year.
Ikwerre Local Government Chairman Charles Wobodo praised the project and appealed for additional road investment.
Fubara said his administration would continue infrastructure delivery while maintaining the payroll reforms it considered necessary for fiscal accountability.
