The Rivers State Government has launched a biometric verification exercise for staff across all 23 local government areas, beginning on November 24.
This followed the exit of the immediate past Administrator in the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).
Ibas had earlier conducted a similar audit for civil servants and local government workers aimed at eliminating ghost workers, claiming the exercise saved the state ₦5 billion.
However, it remained unclear whether the local government component was fully completed before his departure on September 18, after the lifting of emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The current exercise was formally flagged off in Emuoha Local Government Area by the Chairman of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Israel Amadi. He explained that the audit is designed to purge the system of ghost workers and ensure accurate staff records.
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Ahead of the launch, Amadi and Emuoha LG Chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, inspected ongoing and completed projects at the council secretariat. Amadi commended Lloyd’s infrastructural initiatives, describing them as “courageous” and reflective of transparency in local government administration. He urged Lloyd not to be discouraged by criticisms, noting that reforms often face resistance from those benefiting from irregularities.
“We went to Ahoada West, we saw the structures; we were impressed. I think what is here will even beat Ahoada West. So congratulations to you,” Amadi remarked.
The commission chairman stressed that the verification would be conducted transparently and peacefully, warning against the illegal inclusion of employees from other agencies into local government payrolls. He added that truancy and attempts to benefit from multiple employments would be sanctioned.
“So for us as a commission we will not tolerate that. When you’re following due process, you must step on people’s toes. They will say anything to spoil your name, but follow due process. Let us do something good. At least for once, let us do it well so others will emulate,” Amadi said.
Dr. Lloyd pledged to provide adequate security for officials and staff involved in the exercise. He emphasised that the verification would allow all properly employed staff to present their documents, stressing that the initiative is aimed at ensuring proper management and order in the local government system, not targeting individuals.