Port Harcourt, Rivers State — A brewing industrial crisis that had paralyzed local government administration across Rivers State was swiftly defused on Tuesday, following a crucial intervention by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Governor’s intervention led directly to the suspension of a statewide warning strike called by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), which had resulted in the closure of all 23 council secretariats across the state earlier in the day.
Governor Fubara met behind closed doors with the leadership of NULGE, the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), and the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Directive for Amicable Resolution
The central dispute stemmed from the renewed dismissal and non-payment of salaries to several local government workers in the Emohua council by Dr. Lloyd.
After the high-stakes meeting, Governor Fubara directed all parties to “resolve their differences amicably,” emphasizing cooperation and transparency to prevent further disruption of public service delivery at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the outcome, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Israel Woke Amadi, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s timely intervention and gave assurances that the resolutions reached would be implemented without delay.
NULGE Orders Immediate Resumption
Hon. Chidi Lloyd, the Emohua LGA Chairman, also pledged his full compliance with the Governor’s directive. He committed to working in harmony with both NULGE and the LGSC moving forward, stressing the need for transparency in addressing the contentious employment issues.
On the union’s part, NULGE State President, Comrade Clifford Paul, announced the immediate suspension of the strike. He directed all branch chairmen and members to return to work, confirming that the union agreed to call off the action in compliance with the Governor’s push for a peaceful, mediated resolution.
The statewide warning strike, declared to protest the alleged callous and unfair treatment of the affected workers in Emohua, had been scheduled to last seven days. Its swift suspension brings immediate relief to the councils and ensures local government services can resume instantly across the state.
