Rivers payroll audit: Fubara insists ghost workers must go

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has defended his administration's approval of a payroll audit to identify and remove "ghost" workers across the state's 23 local government areas. Speaking during the inauguration of the Omademe Internal Roads Project in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Fubara emphasized the administration's commitment to fiscal discipline and the need to address the longstanding issue of inflated local government salaries head-on.

The governor, who previously worked as a Treasury Officer, ensured the audit was conducted objectively by deploying ICT personnel to oversee the process. Fubara stressed that political affiliations should not influence the identification of ineligible employees, stating that all Rivers State residents were united in this effort.

The Omademe road project, a part of his administration's strategy to improve rural connectivity and stimulate economic activity, features 10 internal roads totaling 8.6 kilometers, complete with drainage systems to prevent flooding. The governor pledged to continue delivering value for the people of Rivers State until his tenure ends, urging political leaders to unite and focus on the state's future.