Rivers payroll audit: Fubara insists ghost workers must go

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara defended his administration's approval of a payroll verification exercise aimed at identifying and removing "ghost" workers from the 23 local government areas. This move, announced during the inauguration of the Omademe Internal Roads Project in Ikwerre Local Government Area, is part of Fubara's efforts to promote fiscal discipline in the public service.

The governor emphasized that this decision was not influenced by political considerations, as he brought his experience as a Treasury Officer to ensure the exercise was conducted objectively and without bias. Fubara stated that the Local Government Service Commission was already addressing the issue of bloated salary payrolls before his administration took office.

He appointed ICT personnel to guide the committee handling the payroll verification exercise, reinforcing his commitment to integrity and objectivity. Fubara stressed that employment should only be granted through proper channels and warned against any politically motivated discussions surrounding the issue. He reiterated his administration's dedication to adding value for the people of Rivers State until the completion of his tenure, urging political leaders to unite and move forward beyond past conflicts.