Local Government workers in Rivers State have called off their planned strike action following a decisive intervention by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The strike, initially scheduled to commence at midnight on Tuesday, was suspended after a closed-door meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The dispute originated in Emohua Local Government Area, where the recently re-elected Council Chairman, Chidi Lloyd, reportedly withheld payment from some staff members, citing that they had not undergone proper verification. This issue had previously led to protests along the Emohua axis of the East–West Road.
The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), members of the Local Government Service Commission, and Chairman Chidi Lloyd. While specific details of the agreement were not immediately disclosed, all parties confirmed that an understanding was reached, resulting in the suspension of the strike.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Rivers State NULGE President Clifford Paul officially announced the strike’s suspension and reassured union members that their grievances would be addressed. “We have resolved. His Excellency has directed that this matter will be handled harmoniously,” Paul stated. “On behalf of the State Administrative Council of NULGE, I am calling on all branch chairmen and officers to end the strike.”
Israel Amadi, Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, described the discussions as productive and thanked Governor Fubara for his timely intervention. “It was a very fruitful deliberation,” he said. “The Governor has given clear directives, and we are confident the resolutions will be implemented.”
Emohua LGA Chairman Chidi Lloyd also commended Governor Fubara’s transparent handling of the matter, emphasizing, “It is not personal. We just want transparency in the system, and the Governor has made that clear.”
